Cambodia steps up efforts to conserve aquatic resources
Fish account for approximately 76% of the protein consumed by households in Cambodia, underscoring their critical role in ensuring food security and supporting the livelihoods of around 2 million people.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on July 1 attended a ceremony to release 1.5 million juvenile fish into the Vaico River in Svay Rieng town, Svay Rieng province, marking the 21st National Fish Day and reaffirming the country’s commitment to conserving aquatic resources and promoting sustainable aquaculture.
Speaking at the event, PM Hun Manet said the annual event aims to raise public awareness of the sustainable protection of wild fish species and encourages the development of aquaculture to help ensure food security. He stressed that fish remain the primary source of protein in the daily diet of Cambodian people and serve as a key source of income for many fishing communities.
The PM also called on fishermen to refrain from fishing during the breeding season, which runs from June to October each year, and encouraged the expansion of aquaculture activities to reduce pressure on natural fish stocks.
Cambodian Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Dith Tina said that more than 20 species of aquatic animals, including fish, shrimp, eels, snails, mussels and turtles, were released into their natural habitats during the event.
According to Dith Tina, Cambodia’s inland fisheries production reached 514,830 tonnes in 2025, representing a 10% increase from the previous year.
The Cambodian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries reported that fish account for approximately 76% of the protein consumed by households nationwide, underscoring their critical role in ensuring food security and supporting the livelihoods of around 2 million people. On average, each Cambodian consumes 52.4 kilogrammes of fish annually./.
