About 80 per cent of the young fish rescued from unlawful nets are Trey Riel (Henicorhynchus spp), which Cambodians use to make prahok during the fishing season. Agriculture Ministry
Millions of young fish have been saved from unlawful fishing activities, raising expectations for a higher yield this year compared to 2023.
National authorities are leading joint task forces to crack down on crimes in freshwater areas during the closed fishing season, destroying numerous illegal fishing equipment.
Pum Sotha, government delegate in charge of the Fisheries Administration (FiA) under the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, stated that the crackdown is a regular measure to enhance the efficiency of freshwater fisheries management during the closed season.
“We are cracking down to make the fishing season more productive. We've seen no less than a million fish caught by a single illegal fishing net. There are a lot of baby fish,” he said.
Undersecretaries of state at the ministry Pen Phallyka and Tim Borak have been leading joint task forces to inspect and combat illegal fishing in Siem Reap, Kampong Thom, Kampong Chhnang, Pursat, Kampong Cham, Tbong Khmum and other provinces.
The teams will continue their efforts throughout the week to prevent fisheries crimes that threaten various species of natural fish and biodiversity, especially those that are spawning and migrating during the rainy season, according to the ministry.
It noted that inspections to prevent fishing crimes have shown an increase in the number of young fish species compared to last year. Thousands of illegal fishing nets and poles have been removed and burned onsite.
Sotha mentioned that about 80 per cent of the young fish rescued from unlawful nets are Trey Riel (Henicorhynchus spp), which Cambodians use to make prahok during the fishing season.
He said illegal activities persist, with some of the illicit catch being used directly as feed for other fish or processed into fish food. He emphasised that authorities have been intensifying efforts to curb these offenses and are destroying the equipment involved in these unlawful practices.
Sotha noted that both fishermen and most citizens are aware and are cooperating with authorities by providing information on illegal activities, adding that the FiA has established a working group to receive reports on such crimes.
“Currently, there are proactive measures in place to protect our resources. Although water levels may be low, they remain favourable. With widespread community involvement and efforts to curb illegal activities, I believe this year’s freshwater fish yield could rise. Last year, we saw an increase of about 5 per cent," he said.
“I think that this year, even if the increase isn’t as large as last year’s, it will at least match it. But I believe we could see a greater increase, considering the current situation and our ongoing activities. We are planning continuously from year to year to find solutions and make our crackdowns more effective,” he added.
Sotha mentioned that authorities are currently using both educational and law enforcement measures. He said perpetrators who commit the crime of fishing with electrical implements or illegally produce such devices are being arrested and sent to court.
The FiA has informed the public and fishermen that the fishing season is closed from June 1 to September 30 for freshwater fisheries in Kampong Chhnang, Pursat, Battambang, Pailin, Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, Siem Reap, Kampong Thom, Preah Vihear, Ratanakkiri, Mondulkiri, Kratie, Tbong Khmum and Kampong Cham provinces, as well as parts of Phnom Penh and Kandal province north of the Chaktomuk River.
Additionally, it noted the season is closed from July 1 to October 31 in Prey Veng, Svay Rieng, Takeo and Kampong Speu provinces, as well as parts of Phnom Penh and Kandal province south of the river.
The FiA stated that during the closed fishing period, all fishermen must use only the family fishing equipment specified in the prakas dated October 22, 2012.
