Prahok Fish Season Begins With Stronger Enforcement, Public Support Driving Early Gains

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 23, 2025) — Cambodia’s prahok fish season has begun gradually, with early catches showing promise as fish migrate from Tonle Sap Lake and surrounding waterways into the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers in Kandal Province and Phnom Penh.

Pum Sotha, director of the Fisheries Administration under the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, said fish are descending in smaller quantities but yields are expected to surpass last year’s levels. He credited stronger law enforcement, broad public participation and support from armed forces for the improved outlook.

Authorities say public involvement has included reporting illegal fishing and releasing rare species back into the water. On Dec. 23, lift net fishing over about one hour produced between 700 kilograms and one ton of fish, mostly bamboo leaf fish.

Cambodia’s fisheries sector has shown steady growth. Official data report total fisheries and aquaculture production in 2024 reached 926,934 tons, a 7 percent increase from 2023, reflecting gains across inland and marine fisheries as well as aquaculture.

Officials say the combination of enforcement and community participation is helping sustain the traditional prahok season while strengthening long term resource management.