Authorities from Battambang town and Sangke district in Battambang province have overseen an end to fish farming in the Sangker River, in order to maintain a clean water source for the water pumping station downstream.
Following instructions from provincial governor Sok Lou, officials dismantled fish farms in Wat Tamim commune on February 13.
The dismantling operations were led by Sangke district governor Neang Chanthara and provincial Fisheries Administration (FiA) director Chuong Sophea, said a social media post by the provincial administration.
“In Sangke district, the owners of 44 fish cages had already agreed to cease their operations and have dismantled their cages. They have assured the district authorities that they will follow instructions,” said Chanthara.
He added that a working group will support five families who have dismantled their cages but not yet sold all of their stock.
Governor Lou said on February 14 that this work began last year, when it was reported that the river had stopped flowing at the Sala Ta On dam, which is used to generate a clean water supply for the public. It was determined that the many fish farms upriver were affecting the cleanliness and flow of the river.
“After complaints from environmental officials and the Battambang Provincial Water Supply Authority, the provincial council held an emergency meeting and ordered an end to fish farming there, otherwise the Sangke River could not be used as a clean water supply,” he explained.
“We gave them a year to cease the practice, and they have adhered to our instructions,” he added.
According to Lou, following an explanation by the provincial authorities, the fish farmers had a clear understanding on the impact they were having on clean water production, and volunteered to move without any protest.
