(Phnom Penh): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet underlined the need for relevant ministries and institutions, particularly the Fisheries Administration, municipal and provincial governments, and associated armed forces, to intensify efforts to combat illegal fishing during the crucial fish spawning season during a Cabinet meeting on Friday morning (May 22).

This initiative aligns with national policies and legal frameworks established to safeguard natural and fisheries resources.

In a press release detailing the Cabinet meeting's outcomes, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet called for greater efforts to disseminate the Fisheries Law and encouraged fishing communities to help preserve vital natural resources for future generations actively.

The Fisheries Administration of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries announced the annual fishing ban in freshwater fisheries management areas, effective from 1 June to 30 September 2026. This ban encompasses the regions of Kampong Chhnang, Pursat, Battambang, Pailin, Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, Siem Reap, Kampong Thom, Preah Vihear, Ratanakiri, Mondulkiri, Kratie, Tboung Khmum, Kampong Cham, and certain areas of Phnom Penh and Kandal Province situated north of the Tonle Chaktomuk River line.

Furthermore, authorities will implement an additional fishing ban from 1 July to 31 October 2026, in Prey Veng, Svay Rieng, Takeo, Kampong Speu, and parts of Phnom Penh and Kandal Province south of the Tonle Chaktomuk River line. Fishermen are permitted to employ only small-scale fishing equipment, as stipulated by the Fisheries Law, throughout this prohibition period.
=FRESH NEWS