On April 13-17, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) delivered a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) and data analysis capacity building workshop for five officials from Cambodia's General Directorate of Fisheries (GDF).
The workshop builds on the VMS capacity building training delivered by AFMA in Cambodia in 2024 and was designed to further strengthen participants' ability to analyse VMS data for monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) purposes. Participants have highlighted the value of AFMA's training in enhancing Cambodia's VMS regulatory framework, as well as internal systems and procedures
Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing operations rely on a lack of MCS communication and coordination to avoid detection. Participants learnt techniques to help manage and implement VMS, an important component of MCS. VMS allows authorities to monitor vessel position, course and speed, ensuring fishing vessels are following rules and regulations for fishing in the region. Cambodia has taken significant action to strengthen their VMS program and fisheries legislation, including ratifying the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in January 2026.
This workshop represents Cambodia and Australia's shared commitment to combatting IUU fishing in the region, and was delivered through Australia's Combating Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing and Promoting Sustainable Fisheries in Southeast Asia (SEAIUU Fishing Program).
On Wednesday 15 April, the participants visited Ulladulla fishing port to witness a vessel inspection by an AFMA Fisheries Compliance Officer. This offered a valuable hands-on understanding of AFMA's operations and to discuss VMS with local fishing operators.
This training will support Cambodia's efforts to combat IUU fishing at both national and regional levels. Thank you to everyone who supported the delivery of this workshop. We look forward to working with the General Directorate of Fisheries again.
Australia has a long history of working with Southeast Asian partners to combat regional IUU fishing. Through regional cooperation, we can address IUU fishing challenges together, ensuring fish stocks are managed sustainably, and maritime security is maintained to support the livelihoods of people in the region.
The SEA IUU Fishing Program is managed by the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and is funded by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. This program has been extended until 2027.
