Cambodia Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Fishing Gear to Protect Fishery Resources

Authorities in Cambodia are continuing their crackdown on illegal fishing gear in the border areas of Kampong Thom and Siem Reap provinces in the northeastern part of the country. On September 15, 2026, following orders from Major General Som Son, Deputy Commander of the Army and Deputy Permanent Chairman of the Kampong Thom Provincial Commission for the Prevention, Deterrence, and Suppression of Natural Resource Crimes, a crackdown on illegal fishing gear occurring in the border areas between Stung Treng District, Kampong Thom Province, and Chikreng District, Siem Reap Province, was carried out. The operation was conducted by forces from the Light Operations Command stationed in Peam Bang Commune, Stung Treng District, in cooperation with a composite force led by Lieutenant Colonel Luy Sophat, an officer from the Kampong Thom Provincial Military Operations Area Command. Lieutenant Colonel Luy Sophat also serves as the commander of the Light Operations Command responsible for suppressing illegal fishing crimes in Peam Bang Commune. According to Major General Som Son, as a result of the cooperation of the composite forces, the following illegal fishing gear was destroyed and removed on-site: 24 mosquito nets (over 1200 meters long), 34 mosquito net traps, and 45 lobster or eel traps. Additionally, 3 gillnet barriers exceeding the specified length (over 650 meters), 6 gillnet traps, and 12 gillnet lobster or eel traps were dismantled. Approximately 40 kilograms of fresh mixed fish were released back into the river, along with 980 wooden stakes and other illegal fishing gear. Major General Som Son, in his capacity as Deputy Permanent Chairman of the Kampongรรม Provincial Commission for the Prevention, Deterrence, and Suppression of Natural Resource Crimes, appealed to all citizens to refrain from using illegal fishing gear, which is prohibited by law, in order to restore the abundance of our fish resources. He pledged to continue the success of suppressing illegal fishing crimes to serve the needs of our people throughout the country and to preserve national aquatic resources for our future generations.