Cambodia Boosts Local Ecosystem with Massive Fish Release in Siem Reap

[CAMBODIA NEWS] (Siem Reap): In a significant conservation effort, the Fisheries Administration of Cambodia released more than 40,000 mixed-species fish into Beng Bangkong, a natural lake located in Bangkong Village, Ampil Commune, Prasat Bakong District, Siem Reap Province, on August 3, 2024.



Pum Sotha, the government delegate in charge of the Fisheries Administration at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, stated that this initiative was undertaken in recognition of the local community's dedicated efforts in protecting and conserving fishery resources for the benefit of their community.

Mr. Sotha encouraged youth, students, and residents to collaborate in deepening the lake to further protect, preserve, and expand fishery resources for higher yields. He emphasized that if the Bangkong community succeeds in this endeavor, it could serve as a model for other fishing communities.

The official also appealed to the general public to refrain from using illegal fishing equipment, particularly electric fishing devices in lakes and ponds. He warned that such practices could lead to the extinction of fish species in the future, constitute a non-pardonable offense, and pose risks to the users' lives.

Ing Kimleng, Deputy Governor of Siem Reap Province, announced plans to extend fish releases to temple ponds and other lakes in the province. This initiative aims to maintain sustainable fish yields in lakes, both for community consumption and potential market sales.

The Deputy Governor expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Agriculture for providing the fish species for release into Beng Bangkong, a natural lake where the community traditionally celebrates the Neak Ta festival on the third day of the waxing moon in the month of Magh each year by catching fish to make num banh chok (Khmer noodles).

This fish release event also serves as a public awareness campaign to promote the protection, conservation, and development of fishery resources among all levels of society, including citizens, government officials, state and private institutions, and especially future generations. The goal is to ensure sustainable management and use of fishery resources in line with the Cambodian government's in-depth fisheries sector reform strategy.