Our Mission Since 2008
To Protect, Conserve and Restore Cambodia’s Marine Environment.
A Proven Model of Conservation Success
At Marine Conservation Cambodia (MCC), we believe that Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) are the key to securing healthy marine ecosystems, sustainable fisheries, and climate-resilient coastal communities.
As a leading force in marine conservation, research, and ecosystem restoration, MCC is committed to evidence-based solutions, policy engagement, and long-term capacity building to protect Cambodia’s coastal and marine resources
Fully supported by the Royal Government of Cambodia, we work in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF), the Fisheries Administration (FiA), international development agencies, universities, and local communities to create scalable, science-driven conservation initiatives
Fisheries Management, Rehabilitation and Restoration
Through marine protected area management, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable fisheries programs, MCC has achieved significant conservation milestones, including:
✅ Implementing and Managing Marine Fisheries Management Areas (MFMA): MCC played a key role in establishing Cambodia’s first MFMA and then was invited to design and assist in management of Cambodia’s Second and most successful MFMA, which is now a model for ecosystem-based fisheries and habitat restoration.
✅ Restoring Marine Bio-mass & Biodiversity: Our research and conservation efforts have led to the return of endangered species, including Irrawaddy dolphins, sea turtles, dugongs, and seahorses—a testament to the success of habitat restoration and protection measures.
✅ Seagrass Mapping & Rehabilitation: Our work in seagrass mapping and ecosystem restoration has led to a substantial increase in Sea-grass habitats within the Kep Archipelago , supporting blue carbon sequestration, coastal protection, and biodiversity recovery.
✅ Strengthening Fisheries Governance & IUU Fishing Enforcement: MCC’s community-based monitoring and anti-trawling initiatives have helped reduce illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, protecting vital marine habitats while supporting sustainable fisheries.
Nature-Based Solutions for Sustainable Development
🌍 Enhancing Blue Economy Strategies to promote climate-resilient, sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities.
🌱 Building Climate Resilience by integrating NBS into coastal protection and fisheries management policies.
🤝 Empowering Local Communities through education, alternative livelihoods, and participation in marine conservation governance.
Partner with Us to Drive Lasting Impact
MCC welcomes collaboration with donors, development agencies, research institutions, and private sector partners to expand our impact and develop innovative, scalable conservation solutions.
By working together, we can ensure that Cambodia’s coastal ecosystems remain healthy, productive, and resilient for generations to come.
💙 Let’s build a future where conservation and sustainable development go hand in hand.
You can also Join Us & Be Part of the Solution
At MCC, we believe that conservation is a collective effort. Whether you’re a researcher, student, or passionate ocean advocate, our volunteering and internship programs offer you the opportunity to make a real impact, contribute to marine science, and help protect Cambodia’s oceans.
Kep Marine Fisheries Management Area
In 2013 Mcc was requested to begin work on Cambodia’s Second Marine Fisheries Management Area. This was following the work that MCC had undertaken between 2008 -2013. Assisting in the creation of Cambodia’s first MFMA. Surrounding the Islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem in Sihanoukville Province.
Kep MFMA took 5 years of hard work to create. Our dedicated team conducted extensive marine surveys, mapping the habitats whilst working closely with local fishing communities and the Conservation Department of the National Fisheries Administration
In 2016 MCC won the National Geographic Marine Innovation prize for its design of anti trawling artificial habitat structures. These structures have been integral to reducing illegal and destructive fishing and restoring the area.
In 2018 Kep MFMA was officially created with a Proclamation from the Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and Agriculture. Covering approximately 12,000 Hectares. Kep MFMA contains many critical habitats such as Seagrass, Coral Reefs and Bivalve Beds.
MCC’s dedicated Khmer Team and has been actively protecting and restoring the area since its creation. With over 2000 hectares of Seagrass Regrowth. The return of Dugongs and Dolphins and the increased catches and livelihoods of local fishermen.
Kep MFMA was chosen by Sylvia Earl as a Mission Blue Hope Spot.The results and success of this area is a testament to the passion and pro-activity of MCC’s core team and all the volunteers and interns that have helped along the way.
Our Community Outreach projects work on promoting responsible and sustainable fishing practices and educating local communities on endangered species and habitat protections.
Cambodian Marine Mammal Conservation Project
In 2016, Marine Conservation Cambodia launched the
Cambodian Marine Mammal Conservation Project (CMMCP), the first long-term marine mammal conservation & research program in Cambodia. The CMMCP initially supported the conservation of Kep’s population of Irrawaddy dolphins by constant patrols/surveys and through collecting baseline data. This was then used to create marine mammal conservation management strategies within the Kep region.
The results and success of the initial project in Kep has led to MCC extending its Marine Mammal Conservation Project to Kampot Province working with the Local Communities and Local Fisheries Administration. Our Team now collects data on both the Indo Pacific and Irrawaddy Dolphins in Kampot waters. MCC works with Local Communities to address the current and future threats to the dolphin and dugong populations, supporting patrols and interventions to stop By-catch.
MCC has maintained a Marine Mammal stranding Network in Kep and Kampot for many years, with local communities contacting MCC’s team to attend any Marine Mammal standing to collect data to pass to the Local and National Fisheries Authorities.
MCC’s work on Marine Mammal research and conservation led to the area becoming an Important Marine Mammal Area by the Marine Mammal Protected Areas Task Force.
Our Community Outreach projects work on promoting responsible and sustainable fishing practices and educating local communities on endangered species and habitat protections.
Marine Habitat & Seagrass Restoration
After the establishment of Kep’s first Marine Fisheries Management Area (MFMA) in 2018,
We officially started the deployment of our Conservation and Anti-Trawling Structures originally known as (CANTS), and recently renamed as Fisheries Production Structures.
The Conservation structures are multifaceted, Designed to allow free flow of water movement, whilst giving the largest possible surface area to encourage the growth of filter feeders, These structures very quickly begin to work as underwater filters, whilst providing homes, habitat and safety in areas stripped of life by Bottom trawling. They provide a passive barrier to eliminate trawling within Marine Protected areas and around critical habitats
The structures are low cost, simple in design and can be built by local communities. MCC has deployed 300+ structures throughout Kep MFMA and this has led to large scale seagrass recovery and a huge reduction in illegal and destructive fishing practices in the area.
Due to the success of bringing back the Marine Biodiversity and increasing local catches. Local communities in Kep and Kampot began requesting MCC to Deploy Structures within their communities fisheries areas. The communities follow the simple design and make the blocks, then our team assists in deploying them as structures underwater. we have currently deployed around 80 structures for local communities
MCC has now been contracted by the Ministry of Forestry Fisheries and Agriculture under the (ADB)(SCMF) Sustainable Coastal Marine Fisheries Project. To deploy 5000 structures along the entire coast of Cambodia, focusing on the protect and restoration of Cambodia’s inshore waters.
Our Community Outreach projects work on promoting responsible and sustainable fishing practices and educating local communities on endangered species and habitat protections.
Marine Conservation Cambodia
Marine Research
MCC’s Marine Science Team works closely with Local and International Universities assisting the next generation of Cambodian Marine Scientists. We offer free internship programs for Cambodian University Students…
Habitat Restoration
Our Habitat Restoration project has been so successful. It is now Under contract with the Ministry of Forestry Fisheries and Agriculture. It is now being up-scaled along the entire inshore waters of Cambodia,
Alternative Livelihoods
Marine Conservation Cambodia is actively working on providing alternative livelihood solutions for local communities. It is essential that alternatives to Illegal and destructive fishing are found.
Volunteering and Internships.
Media Articles on MCC
Government Partners
Partner Organisations
