Prime Minister Hun Manet Hails Tonle Sap Fish Recovery, Urges Stronger Conservation

SVAY RIENG, July 1, 2026 (KPT) – Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet has hailed rising fish stocks in the Tonle Sap Lake following intensified crackdowns on illegal fishing, while urging fishing communities to play a greater role in protecting aquatic resources.

Speaking at National Fish Day in Svay Rieng province, Samdech Thipadei said enforcement by the armed forces, authorities and local communities had curbed widespread violations, leading to higher catches.

He acknowledged complaints from fishermen about falling prices but argued that abundant supply benefits both producers and consumers.

“It is better to have plentiful fish at lower prices than to face scarcity and soaring costs,” he said.

The premier called for unity in safeguarding fisheries, stressing that conservation cannot be achieved by government alone.

He urged fishermen to avoid illegal gear such as electrofishing devices and to respect closed seasons.

He also ordered action against brokers accused of inciting hundreds of villagers to engage in destructive fishing practices.

Agriculture Minister Dith Tina reported that Cambodia’s fisheries output reached 978,560 tonnes in 2025, up 5.6 percent from the previous year.

Freshwater catches rose 10 percent to 514,830 tonnes, marine fisheries produced 140,160 tonnes and aquaculture contributed 323,570 tonnes.

He said stronger enforcement had revived stocks, with rare species such as trey trasak and trey kbak reappearing.

Conservation efforts also yielded results for wildlife: eight Irrawaddy dolphin calves were born in 2025 with no deaths, while six more arrived in the first half of 2026, bringing the Mekong population to 117.

Along the coast, 2,152 artificial reef units have been deployed to restore marine habitats, while vessel monitoring systems installed on 1,515 boats have improved oversight.

Seagrass ecosystems and fish stocks have recovered, with dugongs reappearing after a decade and dolphin populations rising past 100.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet said sustainable management was vital to ensure food security, rural livelihoods and long‑term growth.