Gill nets (Khmer name Mong Peak)

Gill net fishing

       Many types of gill net with various mesh sizes can be encountered in Cambodian waters. They catch different species and body sizes of fishes when the fishes try to pass through it. These fishing gears have been introduced in Cambodia a long time ago and they operate in the shallow or inshore water. For example drift gill nets hang on floats just below the surface and are used to capture various pelagic species as mackerel, barracuda, shark, trevally, etc.. Most set gill nets are anchored or weighted to the bottom and used to catch various demersal species. These fishing gears can be used during the night and day time, depending on the fishermen and the location of the site or zone for fishing.

Table9.Data of gill net use in the coastal area of Cambodia (Unit = m)

Province/Municipality	1992	1993	1994	1995	1996	1997	1998	1999	2000	2001
Kep	-	-	-	-	500	700	800	1,000	1,000	4,200
Kampot	61,055	3,940	2,780	27,091	27,091	9,479	1,800	1,800	1,800	20,900
Sihanoukville	4,125	3,200	3,950	2,900	3,900	3,600	3,600	49,100	41,900	50,400
Koh Kong	-	1,800	-	-	-	-	-	138,830	187,135	250,000
Total	65,180	8,940	6,730	29,991	31,491	13,779	6,200	190,730	231,835	325,500

(Source: DoF of Cambodia, 2002)

Fishing Gear and Methods

       Gill net in Cambodia can be grouped into five type

          -Mackerel gill net (Khmer name Mong Trey Kamong)

          -Scomberomorus gill net (Khmer name Mong Trey Beka )

          -Shrimp gill net or Trammel net (Khmer name Mong Bang Kear )

          -Crab gill net (Khmer name Mong Kdam )

          -Clupea gill net (Khmer name Mong Trey Kbork )