Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital city has a population of over one million people, of which about
700,000 live in the main central urban area. Inland fish and other aquatic animals are sold at 29 main
markets that are supplied from several landing sites and from other diverse sources. We monitored
sales at six of these markets in early 2003 and assessed the total numbers of traders in late 2003. Fresh
inland fish comprised about 85% of the weight sold of all fresh fish and other aquatic animals.
Snakeheads (Channidae) comprised around 40% by weight of all fresh inland fish sold, and with a few
other species, made up most of the sales. Exotic species (from aquaculture) comprised only about 1%
of sales, so virtually all fresh fish sold were indigenous wild fish or indigenous species grown in
floating cages and fed on other small wild fish of lower value. Hence, wild inland fish (either directly
or indirectly) still provide most of Phnom Penh’s fish supply. The most important other aquatic
animals were marine and freshwater shrimps (Penaeidae and Palaeomonidae).
In the 29 markets, over 2,000 people sell aquatic products and about 90% of sellers are female. Based
on our limited data, the total daily inland fresh fish sales in these markets were of the order of 12 tonnes/day
in March-May and 19 tonnes/day in October 2003, with a value of US$15-24,000 per day. Preserved
inland fish sales are also very important but were not quantified. This small-scale industry is the
primary supplier of fish to the city and is a significant employer, in particular providing opportunities
for women in an environment where they can manage their own businesses. Fish marketing also
supports many associated industries.
Sales showed no daily patterns and quantities generally varied by about 10-20% from day-to-day. A
five-day monitoring programme would therefore provide quite representative data for any market.
Monitoring markets poses particular challenges that require novel approaches which we discuss for
those planning similar studies.