For thousands of years, Cambodian fishermen have relied on the Tonle Sap. The Tonle Sap (which means “Great Lake”) is southeast Asia’s largest lake. It’s also home to an abundant supply of fish. At least, it used to be.
When it comes to fishing, the Great Lake isn’t so great anymore. Deforestation, upstream dams, overfishing, and changing weather make fish scarce. Fisherman can’t catch enough to live on. But they have a squirmy, slimy solution: raising eels.
Many people think of fishing as a fun hobby. But when your livelihood depends on it, it’s anything but relaxing. The answer to the question “Can I afford dinner this week?” depends on weather, water temperature, and other factors beyond fishers’ control.
“Being a fisherman is hard,” says Em Phat. The 53-year-old fisherman is one of thousands to receive aid from a British nonprofit called VSO. VSO provided Phat with baby eels and taught him how to raise them.
When farmers grow crops, it’s called agriculture. When they raise fish (such as eels) it’s called aquaculture. Phat raises eels in different tanks depending on their stage of life. Bubble-like eel eggs bob in glass aquariums. Dark, noodle-shaped eel larvae squirm in plastic tanks. Adolescent eels swim in larger tubs. At that stage, eels need places to hide. Phat gives them bicycle tires for shelter.
Why eels? Consumers in countries like China, Japan, and South Korea consider eel a delicacy. Even if you don’t live in Asia, you might find eel in a sushi shop near you.
“The eels have value and can also be exported to China and other countries in the future,” says Phat.
But eel-raising isn’t an easy job. Nor is it risk-free. Eels need a constant supply of pure, oxygenated water. They require special food. They have little natural resistance to disease. One time, a power outage stopped the oxygen pumps in Phat’s eel tanks. Many eels died.
Phat has hope despite the difficulties. Cambodia’s eel farmers expect market growth. Cambodia signed trade agreements last year with China to ship frozen eels to Shanghai. This year, the government addressed food safety concerns so farmers can send more eels to Europe.
God provides—but not always in the way people expect. Past generations of fishermen likely thought the Tonle Sap would provide forever. God hasn’t yet restored the lake. Instead, He’s using eels to keep nearby communities afloat.
Therefore do not be anxious, saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?” For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. — Matthew 6:31-32
