Skywatch Friday: River-view
View of the Mekong River, from one of the villages in Koh Chouram Commune.
APAD 188: Fishing
Some years ago, I surprised my husband with a half-day ATV-adventure ride. It was one of the best experiences we both had together. In one of our rest-stops, we saw this man trying his luck at fishing in this small river, one of the many tributaries of the Mekong River.
Fishing solo in the murky river. I wonder how much fish he caught that day.
To those who are not in the know, the Mekong River is one of the most dynamic rivers in the world and home to multitudes of freshwater species and other aquatic resources. Sadly, recent developments along the Mekong river countries that include Thailand, Laos, Burma, Cambodia, Vietnam, and most especially China, have resulted to profound, negative effects on this mighty river. Local fishermen talk about dwindling catch, and fish caught are smaller in sizes compared to the last decade or so. It is troubling indeed. I hope the government and other organisations will work towards protecting the Mekong river – focusing on the issues of deforestation, construction of dams, as well as over-fishing. I would also like to include provision of alternative sources of livelihood for the locals.
APAD 009: Prek Pnov flooded forest
It’s the time of the year again in Cambodia when, during the rainy season, the Tonle Sap Lake changes its size making it the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia.
Each year when the monsoon season begins, the waters from the Mekong river reverses to the Tonle Sap Lake, increasing its size to tenfold and engulfing the surrounding forests. Hence, the name, flooded forests. An example of which is shown in this picture:
The submerged forests are rich breeding grounds for fish and other aquatic resources. Photo taken at Prek Pnov, Kandal Province.
As the Mekong flood water abates around November each year, the Tonle Sap water reverses and the fish swim out. This reversal of the current is marked and celebrated by holding Bon Oum Teuk, or Water Festival, in Phnom Penh. It is a national celebration and is the merriest and rowdiest celebrations, next to the Khmer New Year.
APAD 323: Fishers of men
Right across the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh on the riverside is where the Mighty Mekong River and the Tonle Sap merge giving birth to the smaller Bassac River. Also in this location lies a floating fishing community that relies on this rich waters for their livelihood.
The sun is about to set while the fishermen are heading for “work”. I pray each day that they go out there, in the middle of the lake, safely and with enough catch to feed their families and to sell for extra income.
Since the ancient times – and up to this day – the Tonle Sap and Mekong River have enormous supply of fish and other aquatic resources. In the ancient times, they also served as naval battleground between the great Khmer empire and its enemies.
These days, tourists rent boats to cruise along the rivers. To cap the river cruise is the splendid sunset that is best viewed in this location.
A Silver Finish!
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