Cambodia Boosts Fisheries Protection and Sustainable Fishing Efforts

Kampong Speu province, Cambodia – July 31, 2026 – Mr. Kong Chai and Mr. Sok Sothy, Deputy Governors of Kampong Speu province, presided over a ceremony to celebrate National Fish Day on July 1st. The event took place at the Peam Luva Dam in Oral district, with participation from the Director of the Provincial Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, Mr. Tang Sokkhi, CEO of Kichinda Group, military officials, educators, students, and a large number of citizens. According to Mr. Yim Non, Director of the Provincial Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, the celebration involved the release of 100,000 fish fry and broodstock, including species such as Chhpin, Kandol, Pra, Peao, and Krang, into the natural water reservoir. The fish were supplied through the support of the General Directorate of Fisheries under the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, and Mr. Tang Sokkhi. The Peam Luva Dam, with a water surface area of 308.63 hectares, is located in the upstream area of the Prek Tnaot River. This area is a highly potential source of fisheries resources and serves as a vital zone for aquatic life to reproduce, grow, spread, and migrate to other water sources within the province. During the event, Mr. Sok Sothy conveyed the regards of the provincial leadership and expressed deep gratitude to all stakeholders, especially the General Directorate of Fisheries for their support in providing the fish, as well as Mr. Tang Sokkhi and the citizens for their active participation and contributions to the fish release campaign. He strongly urged local authorities and citizens to commit to protecting the fisheries resources by safeguarding the Peam Luva Dam water reservoir, ensuring it remains a safe habitat for aquatic life and contributes to the increase of natural fish stocks to meet the daily food needs of the population. He also called for the eradication of illegal fishing practices, particularly the use of electric shockers, poisons, or large nets, which cause severe damage to fisheries resources and rare fish species. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of preserving the aquatic ecosystem of the Peam Luva Dam, which is the primary source of the Prek Tnaot River, serving not only the agricultural sector but also maintaining natural environmental balance.