Kampong Thom Authorities Intensify Crackdown on Illegal Fishing, Dismantle Gear and Release Fish

In Kampong Thom province, Cambodia, the Provincial Fisheries Administration, in collaboration with local security forces and fishing communities, has continued its operations to crack down on illegal fishing. These operations have led to the dismantling of illegal fishing gear and the release of captured fish back into nature across several districts. On August 31st, operations were conducted in Stueng Sen City, Stueng District, and Tang Kouk District. The task force dismantled and destroyed various types of illegal fishing equipment, including nets, traps, and bamboo structures, and released over 120 kilograms of diverse fish species back into natural lakes. Mr. Kun Chanseha, Chief of the Stueng Fisheries Administration Post, along with contract officials and in cooperation with the Kbal Stueng and Stueng Krong fishing communities, conducted an operation to suppress illegal fishing activities in the area of Chakom village, Stueng district, Kampong Thom province. The operation resulted in the dismantling and destruction of 15 mosquito nets (900 meters long), 15 traps, 15 bamboo tubes, and 150 wooden stakes. Additionally, 45 kilograms of fish were released back into the river. Mr. Yeng Yan, Deputy Chief of the Stueng Sen Fisheries Administration Post, in collaboration with the Stueng Sen City Military Sector forces, launched a crackdown on illegal fishing in the Ok Kanthar commune area of Stueng Sen City, Kampong Thom province. The operation successfully apprehended one case of illegal fishing using prohibited gear (electric shocker). Seized items included one black C100 motorcycle, two electric shocker units, two batteries, and two pairs of shocker rods. A quantity of mixed fish was released back into a natural lake, while the suspect managed to escape. Mr. Keo Sokhoeun, an official from the Baray Fisheries Administration Post (serving Tang Kouk District), joined forces with the Kaoh Rues Command to crack down on illegal fishing at Jet, Sralao, and Ta Keo points, located within the Sralao commune of Tang Kouk District, Kampong Thom province. The operation resulted in the dismantling and destruction of 11 mosquito nets (1375 meters long), 11 traps, 11 bamboo tubes, and 213 wooden stakes. Approximately 75 kilograms of mixed fish were released back into the river. Mr. Houn Phal, Chief of the Peam Bang Fisheries Administration Post, led officials and contract officers, in participation with Lieutenant Colonel Luy Sophaphat, a leading officer from the Kampong Thom Military Operations Zone, Military Region 4, and forces from the Peam Bang commune military command, to conduct operations to inspect and suppress illegal fishing from Bathel to Balot Touch in Peam Bang commune, Stueng district, Kampong Thom province. The operation resulted in the dismantling and destruction of illegal fishing gear, including: 1) Four over-length gill nets (1100 meters long), eight traps, and sixteen bamboo tubes/nets. 2) Two gill nets with fine mesh (450 meters long), four traps, and eight bamboo tubes/nets, along with 700 wooden stakes. Mr. Kun Chanseha, Chief of the Stueng Fisheries Administration Post, along with contract officials and the Stueng Krong fishing community, conducted an operation to crack down on illegal fishing at Boeng Nguon Krau in Chakom commune, Stueng district, Kampong Thom province. The operation resulted in the dismantling and destruction of illegal fishing gear, including three mosquito nets (150 meters long), three traps, three bamboo tubes, and 75 wooden stakes. A quantity of fish was also released back into the river. These ongoing crackdowns are part of the Cambodian government's efforts to ensure the sustainable management of its aquatic resources in Kampong Thom province. Illegal fishing poses a threat to fish stocks and ecosystem health, prompting authorities to intensify surveillance and enforcement.