Fish Stocks Rebound as Cambodia Cracks Down on Illegal Fishing

PHNOM PENH, Jan 29, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia’s freshwater fish stocks are showing signs of recovery as the government intensifies conservation efforts and enforcement against illegal fishing, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said Thursday.

Freshwater fisheries production reached 514,830 tons in 2025, up more than 40,000 tons from the previous year. The figure included nearly 20,000 tons from large-scale operations and around 400,000 tons from family-scale fishing. Marine fisheries output also rose slightly to 140,000 tons.

Overall, Cambodia’s total fishery production stood at 965,758 tons in 2025, ensuring sufficient supply for domestic consumption and international visitors.

Dr. Khov Kuong, deputy director of the Fisheries Administration, attributed the rebound to sustained government action over the past two years to protect breeding fish, conserve habitats and curb illegal fishing.

Authorities reported 3,145 cases of illegal fishing in 2025 — 3,053 in freshwater areas and 92 in marine zones — reflecting intensified monitoring and law enforcement.

Exports generated more than $3.14 million from about 1,500 tons of fishery products last year, equivalent to nearly 20 percent of the annual target. Of that, 508 tons were fresh fish and around 1,000 tons processed products. Officials stressed the priority remains maintaining stocks and securing food supply rather than expanding exports.