Trouble on the Mekong: The Importance of Tonle Sap Lake

Tonle Sap Lake, the largest in Southeast Asia, is a UNESCO biosphere reserve and a vital inland fishing ground. It supports thousands of communities and is fed by the Mekong River, which provides essential sediment. Traditional fishing methods are simple but effective, yet environmental changes like droughts have impacted fish availability. The lake's ecosystem supports 3 million people, but reduced water supply threatens this balance. Communities are adapting by preserving fish stocks and seeking alternative protein sources, highlighting the lake's critical role in Cambodia's rural economy.

What is the primary source of water for the Tonle Sap Lake?

• The Nile River

• The Mekong River

• The Ganges River

• The Amazon River

What role do the freshwater mangroves around Tonle Sap Lake play?

• They are used for recreational activities

• They purify water and support fish development

• They provide timber for construction

• They are a tourist attraction

What significant event in 2020 affected the Tonle Sap Lake's ecosystem?

• A volcanic eruption

• A severe drought

• An earthquake

• A massive flood

How do residents of the Tonle Sap floodplain primarily live?

• In floating villages

• In high-rise apartments

• In underground bunkers

• In desert tents

What is a critical step in preserving fish caught in the Tonle Sap Lake?

• Freezing the fish immediately

• Cutting off the fish heads

• Boiling the fish

• Feeding them to livestock

What economic impact does the reduction in water supply have on Cambodia?

• Growth in agriculture

• Increased tourism

• Expansion of urban areas

• Disruption of the rural economy

What alternative are locals turning to as fish stocks decline?

• Building more dams

• Growing more rice

• Alternative sources of protein

• Importing fish from abroad