The Royal Government of Cambodia has announced a highly successful year for the nation’s aquatic resources, marked by a significant increase in fish yields and a heartening rise in the endangered Mekong dolphin population. These achievements, detailed in the Fisheries Administration’s 2025 Annual Report, underscore the Kingdom’s effective balance between environmental conservation and food security.
Concerted Efforts Drive Record Freshwater Yields
During the annual meeting held on January 27, 2026, H.E. Poum Sitha, Director General of the Fisheries Administration, revealed that freshwater fish catches rose by approximately 10 percent compared to 2024. This growth is attributed to a multi-sectoral strategy involving the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF), sub-national administrations, and local fishing communities.
The success of the 2025 season was fueled by:
- Intensified Enforcement: Successful crackdowns on illegal fishing activities by specialized fisheries authorities and armed forces.
- Community Engagement: Increased participation from local citizens who shared vital information to protect breeding grounds.
- Resource Management: Strategic conservation efforts that allowed fish stocks to replenish naturally within the Mekong and Tonle Sap ecosystems.
Milestone in Biodiversity: Mekong Dolphin Population Rises
In a landmark victory for global conservation, the Fisheries Administration reported that the number of Mekong River dolphins grew from 104 to 111 in 2025. This 6.7% increase is a clear indicator that Cambodia’s stringent protection zones and eco-tourism initiatives are working, preserving a species that is vital to the country’s natural heritage and its appeal as an eco-tourism destination.
H.E. Has Sareth, Secretary of State at MAFF, commended the administration for its dedication but urged continued vigilance. He emphasized that the protection of rare species and the prevention of illegal fishing remain top priorities for national environmental security.
Investment Opportunities in Aquaculture and Value Chains
As economic growth in Cambodia continues to diversify, the government is actively seeking to transform the fisheries sector from subsistence-based to a modern, commercial industry. H.E. Has Sareth encouraged the private sector to explore significant Cambodia investment opportunities in the following areas:
- Standardized Aquaculture: Developing high-tech fish farms to reduce pressure on wild stocks and ensure a year-round supply for export.
- Processing and Value Chains: Enhancing the quality, safety, and packaging of fishery products to meet stringent international standards (e.g., EU and Chinese markets).
- Export Logistics: Building modern cold-chain infrastructure to facilitate the trade of fresh and processed fish products to third countries.
A Sustainable Future for Cambodia’s Blue Economy
The 2025 results prove that Cambodia is successfully managing its “blue” resources to support both its people and its economy. By aligning fisheries management with the Pentagonal Strategy, the Royal Government is ensuring that the nation’s natural wealth contributes to long-term prosperity. With a focus on sustainable production and international standards, Cambodia is poised to become a key player in the regional seafood trade.
FAQ: Cambodia’s Fisheries and Conservation
The increase is due to stricter patrolling of protected zones, the removal of illegal gillnets, and better cooperation between the government and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to monitor and protect dolphin calves.
Higher yields typically lead to more stable prices for consumers and increased income for rural fishing communities, directly supporting the government’s poverty reduction goals.
Absolutely. The government offers various incentives for investments in aquaculture and fish processing, particularly for projects that introduce new technologies and enhance export capabilities.