New insights into fisheries education
IN A land with a historical reliance on rich fisheries for sustenance and livelihoods, effective conservation is paramount. The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) actively backs students in field research, contributing to the management of Cambodia’s fisheries sector.
Students at the University of Kratie (UKT), immersed in practical study across provincial and aquatic landscapes, bring newfound insights to enhance the Bachelor of Science in the fisheries curriculum.
In an interview with The Post, 23-year-old UKT student Teng Srey Pich reveals her research focus in Toul Toteung commune in Preah Sihanouk province’s Prey Nop district. Her spotlight is on studying the income dynamics of those whose livelihoods hinge on the mangrove forest.
With confidence, she reveals that her research, part of her bachelor’s thesis, was informed by practical experience gained through interning with local fisheries officials.
She says that through face-toface interviews, she was able to observe the meticulous efforts of officials and the collaborative work of the government and NGOs, such as the FAO, fostering conservation. She adds that the prospect of a more favourable future for fisheries resources is on the horizon.
“The FAO’s initiative supporting this research aims to harness results for addressing deficiencies. Anticipating a future surge in fisheries and related natural resources, I believe the efforts of dedicated professionals in suppressing crime and preserving our natural resources will yield significant gains,” she says.
Practical insights attained
Srey Pich says that her FAObacked research spanned six months, including thesis closure and an additional halfyear internship with professionals. The collected research results, handed over to fisheries officials, serve as a clear foundation for effective and precise management plans.
Her research findings will also play a crucial role in updating the fisheries science curriculum for bachelor’s programmes.
Viet Van, a 23-year-old student from the Kampong Cham National Institute of Agriculture (KNIA), shares his investigative venture. Exploring Boeung Krapit fisheries community in both Mien and Preah Theat communes in Tbong Khmum province’s O’Reang-ou district, he carefully examined the economic intricacies of those reliant on the flooded forest for their livelihoods.
Motivated by the vast potential within the fisheries sector and its resources, he undertook the research. Recognising the vital role flooded forest resources play in the livelihoods of residents and fishermen, he underscores the importance of understanding the real challenges faced by these communities.
This awareness, he believes, is crucial support for professional management planning officers.
Parallel to Srey Pich’s experiences, Van shares that this research provided him with fresh insights into administration, community fisheries practices, fisheries conservation and aquaculture. He says that his practical experience aligns with the evolving challenges and necessities of the fisheries communities he studied.
“These experiences proved crucial for my development, providing invaluable insights from teachers and Fisheries Administration [FiA] leaders, offering a broad understanding of the work involved,” he says.
Engaging research insights
In discussing his research, he describes engaging with community committees, local authorities and fisheries stakeholders. Visits to villages included interviews and data collection, while field trips to the flooded forest involved assessing its size and shape. The result is a comprehensive document, forming a solid foundation for dissemination.
“I’ve landed rewarding job opportunities in research and internships with the FiA. Establishing direct contact with both fishermen and the administration, I secured an internship grant from FAO through the CAPFISH-Capture project,” he says.
Recognising the vital role of support for fisheries and aquaculture in sustaining daily livelihoods and essential living standards, Van says he is resolute in his commitment. He aims to persist and champion the significance of flood forests and fisheries resources, contributing to various efforts to ensure the prosperity of the fisheries sector.
“I urge all stakeholders to persist in supporting research for both raising awareness and fostering human resources in the fisheries sector,” he says.
Nan Panha, a 23-year-old student from the Royal University of Agriculture (RUA), researched the management of the Phneat Koh Pong Sat fisheries community in Phniet commune of Banteay Meanchey province’s Serei Saophoan town.
She says that her research presented the unique opportunity to gain firsthand insights into the workings of the fisheries sector and the genuine challenges faced by local communities in their endeavours.
“I gained insights into administrative work within the FiA, encountering diverse missions and fisheries techniques. This knowledge proves invaluable, equipping me to apply it in my professional pursuits and share it with future generations of students,” she says.
Sharing her field experience, she notes that the research revealed both district fisheries officials and local authorities earnestly dedicating themselves to conserving resources and offering technical assistance to communities.
Internships and education
Srun Limsong, deputy director-general of the FiA, highlights the significance of practical research and internships, providing students with a professional education.
At the same time, FiA branches in various districts benefit from additional labour and fresh knowledge brought by the students.
He says that the research serves as a fundamental contribution to enhancing the fisheries curriculum. Its refinement aims to ensure that participating universities deliver quality education in the sector, aligning with the demands of the labour market.
“Refining the curriculum is a key step towards bolstering fisheries management in the country. This involves directing efforts to build the capacity, knowledge and skills essential for fisheries in the upcoming years,” he says.
He says that FiA and FAO’s support extends to four schools in selecting near-graduate students for research, comprising the UKT, KNIA, RUA and the Prek Leap National Institute of Agriculture (NIA).
He also mentions that the EU-backed curriculum update encompasses science, fisheries and aquaculture. The initiative presents an opportunity for 37 students from the specified universities to conduct research on fisheries-related topics.
The research, proposed by FiA’s district cantonments and conducted across 20 provinces in coastal and freshwater areas, aligns with the evolving needs of the sector.
“Backing the university curriculum in fisheries enables us to enhance the content of courses and lessons for effective teaching. These improvements are tailored to meet the evolving needs of the sector, ensuring students acquire new knowledge and skills aligned with the requirements of today’s job market,” he says.