Kampong Cham (FN), Jul. 1 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet shared five recommendations to Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries and stakeholders aimed at conserving highly economically viable fish fry. This initiative aims to improve aquatic life and alleviate pressure on natural fisheries resources.
The premier spoke on Monday (Jul. 1) during the celebration of the 19th National Fish Day in Kampong Cham province.
With the support of the Royal Government for the activities that the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries has been implementing to strengthen the management of conservation and sustainable fisheries development for our next generation and in commemoration of National Fish Day on 1 July, Samdech Thipadei shared five recommendations as follows:
1. The Fisheries Administration must continue to strengthen the conservation of fishery resources, flooded forests, and mangrove forests, particularly the conservation of Mekong River dolphins and vulnerable aquatic species, as well as the release of small fish, breeding fish, and aquatic animals into their natural habitats. Simultaneously, the Fisheries Administration must study, improve, and restore the conservation of fish species and other aquatic habitats that become shallow, especially during the dry season. At this point, Samdech Thipadei would like to encourage the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology to increase closer collaboration to protect and save fish habitats, breeding fish, and vulnerable aquatic species.
2. The Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction must lead and promote the registration of state lands as soon as possible to prevent and suppress encroachment on state land, especially around the Tonle Sap Lake, which is home to spawning fish, fish habitats, and foraging sites. At the same time, Samdech Thipadei would like to encourage relevant ministries and institutions, sub-national administrations, and development partners to continue to promote the reforestation and mangrove reforestation movement to provide spawning grounds for all species of aquatic animals and to maintain ecological sustainability.
3. The Inter-Ministerial Commission for the Prevention and Suppression of Fishing Offenses in the Tonle Sap Lake must strengthen collaboration and increase the prevention of illegal fishing, especially during the closed fishing season when fish are spawning, and take strict action against the production, distribution, and use of highly destructive fishing gear such as electric fishing tools and nets. At the same time, the promotion of education and people's participation in the conservation and sustainability of fisheries resources should be increased for the benefit of future generations.
4. The Fisheries Administration, the sub-national administration, and relevant stakeholders must strengthen the capacity of the fishing community to manage, protect, and conserve fishery resources and strive to expand nature tourism activities in those communities, especially in areas rich in fish, dolphins, birds, flooded forests, and mangrove forests. This will support the livelihood of fishermen and reduce reliance on fishing alone to sustain their livelihoods.
5. Encourage the promotion of aquaculture in all forms, both freshwater and marine, by promoting research on breeding techniques, endangered species conservation, and highly economically viable offspring to enhance aqua culturist livelihood and reduce pressure on natural fisheries resources. At the same time, there shall be an increase in quality control, safety, processing capacity, and development of fishery value chains to strengthen the competitiveness of Cambodian fishery products in both domestic and foreign markets. Samdech Thipadei would also like to call on and encourage development partners and the private sector to provide more support through the provision of technology and capital, including low-interest financing, to promote aquaculture and the processing of Cambodian fishery products.
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