Planned fish hatchery to supply local farms

THE development of a saltwater fish reproduction centre in Preah Sihanouk province is scheduled to begin next year, financed by nearly US$10 million from Japan, a government official said Thursday.

Sam Nov, deputy director of the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, said the centre will be able to produce between 20 million and 30 million young fish per year to supply fish farmers.

"We expect that when the centre starts producing young fish that we will be able to double production to meet demand from local markets, and also increase exports," he said.The $9.93 million centre is scheduled to be opened in 2011, he said.Cambodia currently has around 40 saltwater fish-raising communities producing 40,000 tonnes of fish and shrimp per year, according to ministry figures.

However, they rely on imported species of fish, especially sea bass and grouper, which are particularly susceptible to disease, Sam Nov said. Click to read more...