Tonle Sap Lake: Illegal Fishing Gear Seized to Bolster Fish Stock Protection During Closed Season

On September 5, 2026, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, led by Deputy Secretary of State Pen Phallika, conducted an inspection and crackdown on illegal fishing activities in the Tonle Sap Lake area, within Siem Reap and Battambang provinces. The operation aimed to strengthen the protection of fishery resources and conserve fish stocks during the closed fishing season. During the operation, the joint working group dismantled and destroyed illegal fishing gear, including seven sets of gillnets, 350 meters of gillnets, seven gillnet traps, and 200 supporting poles. Additionally, 10 kilograms of mixed fish species were released back into their natural habitat. The team also inspected fishing activities using 70 sets of basket traps (Lop Nor or Rao), verifying that these operations were conducted in compliance with technical conditions and legal regulations. Deputy Secretary of State Pen Phallika expressed his admiration and high evaluation for the efforts of the joint working group and all competent fishery authorities in actively fulfilling their duties to protect and conserve fishery resources. He emphasized that preventing illegal activities during the fish breeding season helps increase fish stocks, supporting the livelihoods of legal fisherfolk and preserving fish species for future generations. He also advised the specialized authorities to continue their conservation mission and enhance the effectiveness and orderliness of preventing fishery offenses. Source: Koh Santepheap Khmer