In pictures: Fishing for shrimp Published duration 25 July 2016

image copyright Charles Fox

Eight years ago, families living in the coastal Cham fishing villages of Kampot province managed a small coup - they won back fishing rights for the community from the Cambodian government.

image copyright Charles Fox

Since the establishment of the Trapang Sangke community, catches have increased and the fisherman can now earn $6 for half a day's work.

image copyright Charles Fox

The shrimp is dried in a solar drier which was donated to the community by an international NGO, ensuring it is prepared in an hygienic environment, allowing them to charge a higher price.

image copyright Charles Fox

Members of the community are responsible for security, and make regular patrols to ensure there is no illegal logging of the mangrove forest or illegal fishing which could deplete stocks.

image copyright Charles Fox

Tourists are given tours of the area as part of a drive to create an eco-tourism destination. This has brought in extra income, built confidence and improved English skills among the community.

image copyright Charles Fox

As well as western tourists, Cambodian students and tourists are also encouraged, with educational trips seen as an important part of the community's outreach to the next generation.

image copyright Charles Fox

Here a young student from the community plants a mangrove as part of the regeneration plan.

image copyright Charle Fox

Here a fisherman prepares for a night fishing trip.

image copyright Charles Fox

Buyers wait for the boats to return. Now the community has more control over the mangroves, they have eliminated third party buyers who were driving the prices down.

image copyright Charles Fox

In 2014 catches had increased to the point where income from fishing reached a sustainable level for the community.

image copyright Charles Fox

All photographs © Charles Fox.