The coastal regions of Cambodia are undergoing rapid transformation, primarily driven by illegal trawling, elite-backed development projects, and weak enforcement of existing regulations. This situation has led to significant declines in fish stocks and has severely impacted local fishing communities, many of whom are being displaced by billion-dollar land deals. The investigation into this crisis reveals a breakdown in institutional oversight, with ineffective patrols in protected marine areas failing to curb illegal fishing practices. As small-scale fishers struggle to compete against industrial trawlers, the future of both marine biodiversity and the livelihoods of coastal communities hangs in the balance. The ongoing crisis underscores the urgent need for comprehensive conservation strategies and stronger regulatory frameworks to protect these vital ecosystems.