Siem Reap Authorities Crack Down on Illegal Fishing During Closed Season

Siem Reap, Cambodia – Siem Reap City Deputy Governor Hay Young has stated that the city is intensifying its crackdown on illegal fishing activities during the closed season. On July 19th, he led a joint operation involving 46 personnel and nine boats, covering a wide area from the mouth of the Chhnok Tru river to Or Pratob. The operation included forces from the Siem Reap Provincial Department of Fisheries, the Chhnok Tru Fishing Community, the National Intervention Team for Prevention and Suppression of Tonle Sap Lake Fishery Crimes, the Siem Reap City Administration, the Chhnok Tru Commune Administration, the Chhnok Tru Commune Civil Defense Force, and the Army's Military Region 4. During the operation, authorities dismantled and destroyed illegal fishing gear. Specifically, 115 sets of mosquito net fishing equipment, mosquito net barriers spanning 5,550 meters in length, and 1,200 support stakes were removed. Additionally, 100 kilograms of mixed fish were released back into Tonle Sap Lake. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to protect fishery resources and restore the ecosystem during the fishing ban period. Cambodia observes an annual closed season for fishing to ensure the sustainable use of its fishery resources and the conservation of its ecosystems. However, some fishermen continue to disregard these regulations, engaging in fishing with illegal gear. The recent crackdown demonstrates a firm stance against such illicit activities and is part of continuous efforts to eradicate illegal fishing.