Over 3000 Meters of Illegal Fishing Gear Seized and Destroyed in Kampong Thom

In Kampong Thom province, joint forces have seized and destroyed over 3000 meters of illegal fishing gear. The operation was led by Major General Som Sun, Commander of the Army Operations Zone and Permanent Vice Chairman of the Kampong Thom Provincial Commission for Prevention, Control, and Suppression of Natural Resource Crimes, following new orders. The light command post forces stationed in Peam Bang commune, Stung Sen district, were instructed to continue their efforts in suppressing illegal fishing activities in the Rohal Proul area, which borders Stung Treng district in Kampong Thom province and Chi Kreng district in Siem Reap province. They collaborated with forces from the Siem Reap Army Operations Zone and Military Region 4. Major General Som Sun stated on September 16 that the day's operation resulted in the seizure of 15 gillnets, an illegal fishing device, totaling over 1500 meters in length. Additionally, 25 gillnet fishing gear sets, 32 funnel traps, and over 700 wooden stakes were destroyed. Approximately 30 kilograms of mixed fish fry were released back into the natural lake. Major General Som Sun appealed to all fishermen not to use illegal fishing gear, especially gillnets, which are strictly prohibited by law. This is to ensure the fish stock can be replenished to meet the needs of the Cambodian people nationwide and to preserve natural resources for future generations. During the occasion, Major General Som Sun also presented an additional 500 liters of fuel to Lieutenant Colonel Luy Sophap, head of the light command post in Peam Bang commune, to support further efforts in combating illegal fishing. On the same day, specialized forces led by Mr. Yeang Yan, Director of the Stung Sen River Fisheries Administration, in collaboration with Mr. Sieng Hok Khuan, Commander of the Stung Sen City Army Division, inspected, prevented, and suppressed fishery crimes in Kampong Krabau, Sor Yorng, and Damrei Choun Khla communes in Stung Sen city, Kampong Thom province. The operation took place in the Boeung Veng and Boeung Pheth areas within Stung Sen city, where illegal fishing gear was dismantled and destroyed on site. This included 1500 meters of gillnets, 15 gillnet fishing gear sets, 15 funnel traps, and 950 stakes. Furthermore, 80 kilograms of mixed fish fry were released back into the natural lake. During the occasion, Mr. Yeang Yan disseminated information to fishermen regarding the prevention and suppression of fishery crimes in Kampong Thom province, urging them to contribute to the protection and conservation of fishery resources. He also called for ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources, emphasizing the importance of respecting and complying with fishery laws and regulations, refraining from using prohibited fishing gear, and participating in the protection of conservation areas and local fishery resources. He stressed that the participation of every fisherman and citizen is a crucial factor in maintaining the sustainability of fishery resources for the benefit of the people and future generations.