Khmer Ocean Life

Khmer Ocean Life (KOL) works to conserve Cambodia’s marine and coastal ecosystems, with a focus on marine megafauna, through capacity building by conducting ongoing research and monitoring, and empowering and collaborating with local fishing communities.

We work across all coastal provinces in Cambodia, undertaking population monitoring (land and boat surveys and passive acoustic monitoring) of marine wildlife species, specifically Irrawaddy dolphins (Orcaella brevirostris), Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis), Indo-Pacific finless porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides), dugongs (Dugong dugon), green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas), and hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata). By gaining a deeper understanding of their distribution, abundance, and ecology, we aim to cooperate with decision-makers and communities to inform sustainable conservation strategy and legislation throughout the Cambodian marine environment, which will ultimately protect these threatened species. Furthermore, through engaging local fishermen, KOL aims to educate coastal communities on the importance of conservation and facilitate responsible fishery and aquaculture practices, as well as strengthen relationships between Khmer people and the natural environment.

We have a passionate and dedicated team who continuously strive to work towards a healthier, more biodiverse ocean, and are always looking to further involve local and international volunteers and interns in our projects.