New laws are being drafted to help promote and regulate Cambodia’s aquaculture industry, officials said.

The law would aim to manage and regulate the way aquaculture and fish farmers handle operations and will try to ensure that the farmers’ methods do not affect the country’s biodiversity, Fisheries Administration general director Nao Thuok said.

Stipulations for protecting aquaculturists from illegal coercion by authorities were also in the works.

He added that the draft law was still in its discussion phase and would be finalised after further debate.

Van Po, who has been farming fries, or small or young fish, in Takeo province for the past 10 years, said he welcomed the news.

He said that authorities had sometimes tried to illegally demand money when they transported the fries to customers.

“I would be so happy if there was a law defending aquaculture farmers.”