A new investigative piece by Agence France-Presse has further highlighted the perilous position of Tonle Sap in central Cambodia.
Tonle Sap – the world’s largest inland fishery – has been plagued in recent times by drought, as well as upstream dam construction which has affected inflows into the lake during the wet season. 2020 has ushered in a new low water mark, with levels in the lake up to a quarter lower than average levels seen at the turn of last century.
Additionally, fish stocks have plummeted, pushing thousands of families who have traditionally relied on fishing for income, to try their hand at other crops with varying levels of success. Over 1.3 million people call the Tonle Sap biosphere home.
News of the lakes plight, and the associated environment and economic issues associated with it, has been in the spotlight in recent months, with the National Geographic also publishing a recent insight into the unfolding ecological disaster.
