Cambodia Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Fishing to Protect Tonle Sap Lake Resources

Kampong Thom Province, Cambodia – Illegal fishing activities are being intensified in Kampong Thom province, particularly around the Tonle Sap Lake. On July 30, 2026, Major General Som Sun, Commander of the Kampong Thom Military Operations Area and Permanent Vice-Chairman of the provincial commission for the prevention, control, and suppression of natural resource offenses, visited the joint forces stationed in Phat Sanday commune, Kampong Svay district, and Peam Bang commune, Stung Sen district. He issued three directives concerning the protection, prevention, and suppression of illegal fishing. According to Lieutenant Colonel Hem Thorn, a soldier from the Kampong Thom Military Operations Area Command and head of the Light Command Post, and Mr. Yan Lim, a contract fishery official representing the Kampong Svay Lower Fishery Administration, the joint forces, with the Cambodian Army at their core, have been actively engaged in combating illegal fishing for nearly two years, achieving commendable results. Illegal fishing activities in the Tonle Sap Lake area of Kampong Thom province have reportedly decreased by approximately 70% to 80%. The joint forces conduct daily operations, including education, guidance, administrative measures, and the confiscation of illegal fishing gear on the spot. Furthermore, a majority of the citizens have gained a better understanding of and are complying with the new Fisheries Law. Major General Som Sun praised all the joint forces, led by the Cambodian Army, for their diligent efforts and commitment to their duties, regardless of hardship or fatigue. He highlighted their high sense of responsibility, working tirelessly through both the dry and rainy seasons, overcoming various geographical and natural challenges. He specifically commended their patrols in fish breeding conservation zones, both day and night, on the Tonle Sap Lake, noting that these actions have led to a resurgence of fish stocks throughout the country. In his capacity as Permanent Vice-Chairman of the provincial commission, Major General Som Sun outlined several measures for implementing the new Fisheries Law during the current fishing ban season. He issued three key directives: First, to completely crack down on and eliminate all forms of electrofishing. Second, to suppress illegal gillnet fishing gear in all locations. Third, to ensure the protection of all fish breeding conservation zones. He also instructed the joint forces to prevent the use of machinery for the illegal harvesting of snails. During the event, Major General Som Sun presented food supplies, essential goods, and fuel, donated by H.E. Noun Pharat, Governor of Kampong Thom Province and Chairman of the Provincial Unified Command. These provisions are intended to support the forces in their continued collaboration to successfully suppress illegal fishing during the ban, thereby restoring fish stocks to meet the needs of the people nationwide. Source: AKP Khmer