Fish Price Monitoring in Kandal, and Takeo Provinces of

by

Ker Naret1, Sem Viryak1 and Don Griffiths2

1. Fishery Officer, Department of Fisheries, and Counterpart of the MRC/DoF/Danida Fisheries Project in Cambodia 2. Chief Technical Advisor, MRC - Rural Extension for Aquaculture Development Project

ABSTRACT Fish marketing data are vital for any aquaculture development project because it influences potential supply, demand and distribution channels of fish. The Rural Extension for Aquaculture Development (READ) Cambodian Sub-Component monitored fish prices eight times per month throughout 1999, in representative markets in Kandal, Prey Veng and Takeo provinces in Cambodia. A total of 90 fish dealers (30 per province) were also interviewed.

Results showed that River Catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus), Snakeheads (Channa spp.) and Walking Catfish (Clarias spp.) were the major cultured fish by weight in all markets on sampling days. The quantities of cultured fish traded in Prey Veng markets was less than for Kandal and Takeo markets. In Kandal 38% of fish traded was cultured. Snakeheads (Channa spp.), Goonch (Bagarius bagarius), Climbing Perch (Anabas testudineus), Catfish (Mystus spp. and Clarias spp.), Silver Barb (Barbodes gonionotus) and Riel (Henicorhynchus spp.) were the major wild fish species found in each province. Wild fish prices were generally highest from June to August and lowest from December to February. Mackerel (Scomber spp.) was the only marine fish species in the markets of each province. There were greater quantities of Mackerel in Kandal and Takeo than in , and Mackerel was available year round in Kandal market.

The main fish supply channels were through Saang district in ; Angkor Borei, Bourei Cholsar and Kaoh Andaet districts in Takeo province, and Kampong Leav district in Prey Veng province. Most fish dealers routinely faced fish shortages in the dry season, which increased price and reduced profit margins.

The quantities of fish traded through the markets of Prey Veng, Takeo and Kandal markets on sampling days did not reflect the mean annual per capita fish consumption recorded in the READ 1998 baseline survey.

1. INTRODUCTION In 1998 the total fish supply in Cambodia was 122,000 metric tons, of which 62% was from inland capture fisheries, 26% from marine capture fisheries and 12% from freshwater aquaculture (DoF, 1999). The marine fishing capacity of Cambodia is developing only slowly and freshwater aquaculture has only developed in the last decade. Cultured fish production in Cambodia has risen sharply in recent years through the development efforts of several NGOs such as SAO and MRC in Kandal province, AIT Outreach, MCC, MRC and JICA in Takeo province, and PADEK, MCC, MRC and PRASAC in Prey Veng province. Most small-scale pond culture systems concentrate on exotic fish species including Chinese Carps, Indian Carps and Tilapia, which feed low in the food chain. Indigenous River Catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) and Snakehead (Channa spp.) are also cultured more intensively in cages. Snakehead, Silver Barb (Barbodes gonionotus), River Catfish, and Walking Catfish (Clarias) are the major cultured fish species. Coastal aquaculture is underdeveloped, with prawn culture reliant on seed and feed imported from Thailand.

Cambodian people prefer wild freshwater fish to captured marine fish and cultured freshwater fish. Recently the catch of wild freshwater fish has been estimated to be 290,000–430,000 metric tons (Thor Sensereivorth, 1999). However, a number of factors including illegal fishing, pesticide use in farming, electro-fishing and environmental degradation are all major concerns of the Royal Government of Cambodia. With increasing population, per capita fish consumption, which is estimated to be between 30–40 kg per year, may well decrease if catches from inland capture

- 165 - fisheries decline significantly. The catch of wild fish from natural water bodies and rice fields is still the largest source of fish in Cambodia.

The Rural Extension for Aquaculture Development (READ) Cambodia Sub-Component works in Kandal, Takeo and Prey Veng provinces, where wild fish are scarce. The 1998 READ baseline survey of 150 households (50 households per province) found that mean annual per capita fish consumption was 21.5, 17.1 and 15.2 kg in Kandal, Takeo and Prey Veng provinces respectively (Sununtar et al., 1999), which is much lower than the range estimated above. The population of these provinces has increased rapidly in the last decade and fish supply in the area may not meet the local demand.

Fish marketing data are vital for any aquaculture development project because they influence potential supply and demand, distribution channels of fish, the economics of fish culture and the importance of wild and cultured fish to rural households. Up-to-date fish marketing data can be used to determine the quantity of fish and fish products consumed, lead to improved fish marketing systems and used to identify appropriate and sustainable fish culture interventions.

Traditionally, fish marketing in Cambodia has targeted supplying export and larger urban markets. Only limited quantities of fish and fish products are found in the rural markets in Prey Veng, Kandal and Takeo provinces, and prices are generally high. Literature and reliable data on fish marketing in the Lower Delta are scarce. READ therefore initiated a detailed fish market research survey in Prey Veng, Kandal and Takeo provinces to determine marketing systems and distribution mechanisms for all fish and fish products and establish how these factors impact on the socio- economics of fish capture and fish culture. The specific objectives of the study were to identify seasonal changes in fish price fluctuation, to determine the quantities of the major fish species traded, to delineate fish supply channels, to highlight constraints encountered by fish traders and to estimate household fish consumption levels. This paper presents the major findings for each province.

2. METHODOLOGY Following identification of the major markets in the three provinces, the following representative markets were randomly selected for sampling and fish price data were collected eight times per month from January to December 1999 inclusive, by Provincial Extension Officers:

Province Sample markets selected Kandal Khsach Kandal, Takmau, Kandal Stueung, Ponhea Leu, Angk Snoul, Kien Svay and Mukh Kaampoul district Takeo Sam Raong, , Bati, Tram Kah and . Prey Veng Kanh Chriech and Kampong Leav district.

In addition, 90 fish traders selected at random from the following major markets were interviewed using a structured questionnaire with both open and closed questions devised by READ staff:

Province Sample markets selected where dealers were interviewed Kandal Beck Chan, Angk Snoul, Tnal Torteung and Toul Leap markets, Angk Snoul district Takeo Samroan Young, Cham Bak, Tram Knar & Khom Reasey markets, Prey Veng Chheu Kach, Rak Chey and Snea markets, Baphnom district

All data collected were entered, processed and analyzed using Microsoft Access, SPSS and Excel software programs.

3. RESULTS River Catfish, Snakeheads, and Walking Catfish (Clarias spp.) were the major cultured fish by weight in all markets on sampling days. Price monitoring showed that in 1999 Snakehead was the highest priced cultured fish and River Catfish the lowest, and traders made between 422–750 Riel per kg of fish traded. The total quantities of cultured fish traded on sampling days in the Kandal, Takeo and Prey Veng markets were 1,287, 1,127 and 228 kg respectively, with much less fish being traded in Prey Veng than in Kandal and Takeo markets.

- 166 - Table 10.1: Total weight of fish species and mean price on sampling days in 1999 Mean fish Total fish Mean Mean sale Province Fish species Profit weight quantity buying price (Riel/kg) (g) (kg) price (Riel) (Riel) Snakehead 773 496 4,547 5,238 691 Silver Barb 158 294 3,408 4,146 738 Kandal River Catfish 1,230 262 3.412 3,988 576 Walking Catfish 304 222 3,400 3,964 564 Silver Carp 137 13 3,750 4,500 750 Total for the province 1,287 Snakehead 753 450 5,324 5,824 500 River Catfish 619 403 3,314 3,747 433 Walking Catfish 131 145 3,678 4,100 422 Takeo Tilapia 134 53 3,600 4,100 500 Silver Barb 120 33 4000 4,500 500 Silver Carp 240 28 4,000 4,500 500 Black Ear 700 15 3,000 3,500 500 Total for the province 1,127 Prey Veng River Catfish 870 205 2,723 3,423 700 Walking Catfish 352 23 3,750 4,500 750 Total for the province 228

In Kandal province, cultured River Catfish, Snakehead and Walking Catfish were available throughout the year. Figure 10.1 shows no obvious trend in cultured fish price fluctuation over time.

Figure 10.2 shows that cultured Snakehead was found in the markets of Takeo from June to November only and its price was highest in August and September. Cultured River Catfish was available in Takeo markets from May to September, which coincides with the monsoon and the flood season.

The only cultured fish species found in Prey Veng province markets were River Catfish and Walking Catfish, and they were only available for a limited part of the year (Figure 10.3).

Figure 10.1: Cultured fish price fluctuation by month in Kandal province

7,000

6,000

5,000 Snakehead

4,000 River catfish

3,000 Silver barb

Price (Riel) Walking catfish 2,000

1,000

0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

- 167 - Figure 10.2: Cultured fish price fluctuation by month in Takeo province

7,000

6,000

5,000 Snakehead 4,000 River catfish

3,000 Silver barb

Price (Riel) Walking catfish 2,000

1,000

0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Figure 10.3: Cultured fish price fluctuation by month in Prey Veng province

6,000

5,000

4,000 Snakehead River catfish 3,000 Silver barb

Price (Riel) 2,000 Walking catfish

1,000

0

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Figure 10.4: Weight proportion of major wild freshwater fish in Kandal province in 1999

Other species 18% Jullien's mud carp 24%

Mystus 7%

Soldier river barb 8%

Snakehead 20%

Climbing perch 10% Giant bagarius 13%

- 168 - Figure 10.5: Weight proportion of major wild freshwater fish in Takeo province in 1999

Other species 25% Snakehead 30%

Giant bagarius 6%

Walking catfish Silver barb 8% 11%

Blackskin catfish White lady carp 9% 11%

Figure 10.6: Weight proportion of major wild freshwater fish in Prey Veng province in 1999

Snakehead Others species 23% 29%

Blackskin catfish Mystus 17% 8%

Goonch 10% Silver barb 13%

Snakehead, Silver Barb, Catfish (Clarias and Mystus), Goonch (Barbodes gonionotus), Climbing Perch (Anabas testudineus), and Riel (Jullien's Mud Carp) (Henicorhynchus spp.) were the major wild fish species found in markets. On sampling days a total of 7,334, 2,692 and 1,703 kg of wild fish were recorded in Takeo, Prey Veng and Kandal markets respectively. Cultured fish represented only 8% and 13% of the total quantities of fish found in Prey Veng and Takeo markets, although in Kandal markets 38% of the total quantity of fish available were cultured. The total quantity of fish found in Takeo markets (8,901 kg) was much greater than in Kandal (3,346 kg) and Prey Veng (2,956 kg) markets. These quantities do not reflect the mean annual per capita fish consumption of 21.5, 17.1 and 15.2 kg in Kandal, Takeo and Prey Veng provinces respectively found in the 1998 READ baseline survey. The reasons for this may be that the quantities of fish available in urban markets do not reflect the fish capture and consumption patterns of rural households or because the survey method in this study did not yield reliable qualitative data.

Figure 10.7 shows that wild caught Snakehead was most expensive in June, July and August, while Climbing Perch and Catfish (Mystus) were most expensive in June in Kandal markets. Figure 10.8 shows that the price of wild caught Snakehead, Silver Barb, Blackskin Catfish, Goonch, Climbing Perch and Catfish (Mystus) was highest in June and July and lowest in December and January in Takeo province. Figure 10.9 shows that Snakehead fetched higher prices from May to August, while Blackskin Catfish, Goonch and Catfish (Mystus) were expensive from May to July in Prey Veng province. The price of most wild fish species was lowest in December and January.

- 169 - The wild fish species found in markets were primarily from rivers and lakes, with only small quantities coming from rice fields. It is probable that greater proportions of wild fish taken from rice fields are consumed within households and not sold at market.

Table 10.2 shows that Mackerel (Scomber spp.) was the only marine product found in all three provinces, and the quantities traded were much lower than for freshwater species. Most of the Mackerel sold was fermented and little was sold fresh. The unpopularity of marine fish was reflected by generally lower prices than for freshwater fish. Marine products constituted only 11%, 5% and 1% of the total weight of fish traded in Kandal, Takeo and Prey Veng respectively on sampling days.

Table 10.2: Quantities and mean price of the major marine fish on sampling days in 1999 Profit (Riel Province Fish Mean fish Total fish Mean buying Average of sale species weight (g) quantity (kg) price (Riel) price (Riel) per kg) Kandal Mackerel 46 356 2,817 3,386 569 Mackerel 74 387 1,678 2,039 361 Takeo Octopus 46 42 2,250 2,750 500 Ray - 8 2,000 2,500 500 Prey Veng Mackerel 80 36 3,928 4,429 501

Figure 10.10 shows that Mackerel was available throughout the year in markets in Kandal province, for seven months in Takeo and only two months in Prey Veng. The price of Mackerel was more expensive in Prey Veng than Kandal or Takeo provinces.

Although animal meat is more difficult for humans to digest than fish flesh, meat is an important animal protein source that contributes to food security in Cambodia. Pork, beef and chicken are the main meat sources.

Figure 10.7: Fluctuation of wild fish price by month in Kandal province

7,000

6,000

5,000 Jullien's mud carp 4,000 Snakehead Giant bagarius 3,000 Climbing perch Price (Riel) 2,000 Mystus

1,000

0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Figure 10.8: Fluctuation of wild fish price by month in Takeo province

7,000

6,000 Snakehead 5,000 Silver barb 4,000 Blackskin catfish Giant bagarius 3,000 . Price (Riel) Climbing perch 2,000 Mystus 1,000 0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

- 170 - Figure 10.9: Fluctuation of wild fish price by month in Prey Veng province

8,000

7,000

6,000 Snakehead 5,000 Silver barb Blackskin catfish 4,000 Giant bagarius Price (Riel) 3,000 Mystus 2,000

1,000

0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Pork and beef were found in all markets throughout the year, although chicken was available for only three months of the year in Kandal province. Pork, chicken, and beef were the most expensive meats in Kandal, Takeo and Prey Veng provinces respectively (Table 10.3). All meats were generally more expensive than most wild and cultured fish species. Meat prices were largely stable throughout the year.

Table 10.3: Quantity by weight and mean prices of meat on sampling days in 1999

Province Meat type Total quantity Mean buying Mean sale Profit of meat (kg) price (Riel) price (Riel) (Riel per kg) Kandal Pork 2,082 6,577 8,193 1,616 Beef 1,519 6,064 7,538 1,474 Chicken 111 4,724 6,278 1,444 Takeo Pork 3,105 5.500 6,900 1,400 Beef 3,169 6,026 7,558 1,532 Chicken 600 6,856 8,567 1,711 Duck 181 4,324 5,206 882 Prey Veng Pork 1,095 6,086 7,129 1,043 Beef 1,145 6,831 7,831 1,000 Chicken 372 6,049 7,390 1,341 Duck 23 3,667 4,500 833

Figure 10.10: Price fluctuation of Mackerel by month in Kandal, Takeo and Prey Veng provinces

6,000

5,000

4,000 Kaldal 3,000 Takeo

Prey Veng Price (Riel) 2,000

1,000

0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

- 171 - Figure 10.14 shows that 80% of wild fish entering markets in Kandal province are from Saang district and that 30% of the fish entering Kandal markets is later distributed to .

Wild fish entering Takeo town comes primarily from Angkor Borei (40%), Bourei Cholsar (20%), and Kaoh Andaet (20%) districts (Figure 10.15).

Virtually 100% of the wild fish in Prey Veng city is supplied from Kampong Leav district and 10% of the fish in Prey Veng town is later re-distributed to Phnom Penh. Phnom Penh dominates cultured fish distribution, with the majority of cultured fish passing through the city. The main cultured fish species traded are Snakehead, River Catfish, Silver Barb and Walking Catfish.

Figure 10.11: Price fluctuation of meats by month in Kandal province

9,000

8,000 7,000

6,000 Pork 5,000 Beef 4,000 Chicken Price (Riel) 3,000 2,000 1,000 0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Figure 10.12: Price fluctuation of meats by month in Takeo province

10,000

9,000

8,000 7,000 Pork 6,000 Beef 5,000 Chicken 4,000 Price (Riel) Duck 3,000

2,000

1,000

0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

- 172 - Figure 10.13: Price fluctuation of meats by month in Prey Veng province

10,000

9,000 8,000

7,000 6,000 Pork Beef 5,000 Chicken 4,000 Price (Riel) Duck 3,000 2,000

1,000 0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Figure 10.14: Distribution of wild fish in Kandal province (September)

Angk Snoul District (10%) Other districts 10%

Kandal Town 90% 10%

80% Saang District 30% Phnom Penh

Figure 10.15: Distribution of wild fish in Takeo province (September)

Angkor Borei District

Kandal Province Other Districts

10% 10% 40% Province Takeo 10% Province Bourei Cholsar District 20% 10% Bati District (30%) 10%

20% Kaoh Andaet District 30% 30% Phnom Penh

Other Districts

- 173 - Most fishermen are unable to transport their catch to market. In all three provinces collectors normally buy fish from groups of about 12 fishermen and transport the fish and sell them on to retailers (70%), wholesalers (20%) and companies (10%). The wholesalers sell the fish to consumers (70%) and retailers (30%), who then sell the fish to the consumers. Each stage in the chain increases the price of fish.

Figure 10.16: Supply channel for cultured fish in Kandal, Takeo and Prey Veng provinces

Kandal province

Phnom Penh Takeo province

Prey Veng province

Fish dealers prioritized 1) shortage of fish forcing up the price, 2) low profit margins, 3) high taxation, and 4) not making any profit as the main problems of trading fish.

Figure 10.17: Fish distribution channels in Kandal, Takeo and Prey Veng provinces

Fisherman 20%

80%

70% 10% Collector

20%

70% Abroad Company Wholesaler 30% 30% 70%

Restaurant Retailer

100%

100% Consumer

4. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Snakehead, Goonch, Climbing Perch, Mystus, Silver Barb, Walking Catfish and Riel (Jullien’s Mud Carp) were the major wild fish species found in the markets of all three provinces.

2. The total quantity of fish traded through markets in Takeo province was almost triple that traded through the markets of Kandal and Prey Veng provinces on sampling days. 3. Fish prices are generally highest from June to August and lowest from December to February. 4. Mackerel was the only marine fish available in each provincial market and it was available year round in Kandal markets. 5. The mean price of all meats was generally higher than that of cultured and wild fish.

- 174 - 6. Kandal markets received most of their wild fish from Saang district; Takeo province was supplied mainly by Angkor Borei, Bourei Cholsar and Kaoh Andaet districts and Prey Veng province by Kampong Leav district. 7. The supply chain of fish was from fishermen, to collectors, to wholesalers and to retailers before the fish finally reached the consumer, with the price increasing along the chain. 8. High fish purchase prices and low profits margins were routine problems faced by fish traders. 9. The quantities of fish traded through the markets of Prey Veng, Takeo and Kandal markets on sampling days did not reflect the mean annual per capita fish consumption recorded in the READ 1998 baseline survey. 10. If greater quantities of cultured fish were produced, price fluctuation of fish and the cost of fish could be reduced. 11. Cultured fish should be harvested when the market price is high in order to maximize profit and improve the living conditions of farmers.

5. REFERENCES DoF, 2000. Fisheries data collection 1980–1999. Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Phnom Penh. 17pp. Interim Committee for Coordination of the Lower Mekong Basin, 1992. Fisheries in the Lower Mekong Basin – A Review of the Fisheries Sector of the Lower Mekong Basin. Sununtar, S., S. Viryak, K. Khian, S. Keo and S. Thay, 1999. Report of Baseline Survey in Pilot Areas of Kandal, Prey Veng and Takeo Provinces in 1999. Internal document of the MRC/DoF Rural Extension for Aquaculture Development (READ) Project, December 1999. 88pp. Thor Sensereivorth, Deap Loeung and Nao Thuok, 1999. Freshwater capture fisheries data collection in 1998. In: N.P van Zalinge and T. Nao, (Eds.), 1999. pp. 33-53. Present Status of Cambodia's Freshwater Capture Fisheries and Management Implication. Nine Presentations given at the Annual Meeting of the Department of Fisheries of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, 19-21 January 1999. Mekong River Commission and Department of Fisheries, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. 149pp.

- 175 -