Nearly 400 families in Kampot province have asked local government to compensate them for a loss of livelihood ahead of the development of an international port in town.
Kampot town is landlocked, but lies on the Koh Sla River, which runs into the sea. The port plan, headed by a company named Veng Hour, will affect fishing lots and preservation areas, residents and officials said.
"It is constructing the international port and has the agreement of the government, but the construction affects the villagers' fishing lots," said Tim Savuth, director of fisheries office in Kampot province. "Secondly, it is affecting a preservation area, which is intended to protect coral reefs and seaweed."
Mangroves were also being damaged there, he said.
Kov Ha, a manager for Veng Hour, said the port had support from "all the ministries concerned" and "involved all kinds of documents."