Kampong Cham Authorities Crack Down on Illegal Fishing, Destroy Equipment

Authorities in Kampong Cham province, Cambodia, have launched a large-scale operation to crack down on illegal fishing activities across three districts: Kong Meas, Cheung Prey, and Prey Chor. The operation, conducted with the cooperation of the Kampong Department of Fisheries, the Miracles of the Mekong Project, district authorities, and commune police, aimed to dismantle illicit fishing practices. According to Ly Sreay, Director of the Kampong Cham Department of Fisheries, the specialized force, in collaboration with local authorities and commune police, apprehended three cases of illegal fishing on September 9, 2026. The sites targeted were behind Wat Raipai in Raipai commune, Kong Meas district; Boeung Chroy in Sotip commune, Cheung Prey district; and Wat Kampong Siem in Samrong commune, Prey Chor district. Ly Sreay confirmed that during the crackdown, illegal fishing equipment, including 33 fishing nets, a barrier net spanning 1,545 meters, and 550 bamboo stakes, were destroyed on the spot. Additionally, over 100 kilograms of various fish fry were released back into their natural habitat. This enforcement action is seen as a crucial step towards ensuring the sustainable use of fisheries resources and protecting the long-term livelihoods of fishing communities. Cambodia, situated within the Mekong River basin, relies heavily on fishing as a vital source of food and economic activity for many of its citizens. Illegal fishing practices, however, can deplete fish stocks, harm ecosystems, and create tensions with legal fishermen. Such decisive measures by the authorities are intended to promote compliance with the law and bolster the protection of natural resources.