Agriculture minister Dith Tina (left, in krama) addresses the attendees of a January 9 tour of a commercial fishery in Kandal province. Agriculture ministry
Freshwater fish production in the Kingdom increased by around 10 per cent year-on-year in 2024, claimed Dith Tina, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. He attributed the growth to the active cooperation of all relevant parties in rigorously and effectively cracking down on illegal fishing activities.
He shared the data during a January 9 inspection tour of a commercial fishery in Ponhea Leu district’s Koh Chen commune, in Kandal province.
Accompanying Tina on the tour were Chinese ambassador Wang Wenbin and representatives of the EU and the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
The minister expressed great satisfaction with this year’s prahok harvest, which enabled citizens to purchase fish for fermented fish paste production at more affordable prices.
“This achievement did not happen by chance. It is the result of dedicated efforts in resource management and the implementation of effective conservation strategies for aquatic resources. It also stems from the active participation of fisheries officers, mixed forces, fishing communities and fishers themselves,” he said.
He noted that the ministry will continue to monitor fish production this year.
According to the ministry’s Fisheries Administration (FiA), 3,194 cases of illegal fishing were uncovered in 2024, including 148 cases in marine areas.
Fishermen harvest a catch in Kandal province. Agriculture minister Dith Tina has explained that strict enforcement on illegal activities has led to a 10% in freshwater fisheries stocks. Agriculture ministry
When compared to 2023, this represents an increase of 140 cases.
Pum Sotha, government delegate in charge of the FiA, noted that many citizens who previously criticised efforts to combat illegal fishing activities have now shifted to supporting these efforts and frequently report illegal activities to officials. He added that this has contributed to both the prevention of illegal activities and the increase in fish production.
Tina expressed gratitude to the ministry’s development partners for their contributions to protecting natural aquatic resources, aiming to improve livelihoods and ensure sufficient nutritional food supplies.
He called on all fishers to continue respecting fisheries laws, use legal equipment and fish in compliance with regulations to ensure the sustainability of natural aquatic resources.
