Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has praised what he called an abundant national fish supply, claiming the country now produces more fish than it can sell. He attributed this development to the government’s effective crackdown on illegal fishing in recent years.
Speaking at the National Fish Day ceremony on July 1, Hun Manet said fish yields have increased in 2025 compared to previous years. He added that despite this growth in supply, prices for consumers have remained stable, which he described as a positive outcome for the country.
Hun Manet emphasized the importance of ensuring an adequate fish supply for all citizens and urged the public to help protect natural lakes and fisheries to further improve yields. He also said the recent increase in production validates the government’s decision over a decade ago to ban large-scale commercial fishing practices, arguing the policy was made in the best interests of local fishing communities and the wider population.
He further noted that the results demonstrate the resilience of Cambodia’s agriculture sector in the face of external shocks such as climate change and global crises. According to Hun Manet, the country has proven it can maintain food security during challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters.
This year’s National Fish Day was held at Tonle Bati Lake in Takeo Province. To mark the occasion, officials released approximately 1.5 million fingerlings from 20 fish species into the lake, part of a national campaign to boost wild fish stocks and preserve aquatic biodiversity.
Agriculture Minister Dith Tina, speaking at the ceremony, said the Fisheries Administration is now the second-largest division within the Ministry of Agriculture. He reported that in 2024, Cambodia harvested nearly 470,000 tonnes of freshwater fish, an increase of more than 9 percent compared to 2023. He credited the rise to effective enforcement against illegal fishing.
However, fishers living around the Tonle Sap Lake have expressed concerns despite acknowledging the positive impact of conservation measures. Residents from provinces bordering the lake, including Pursat, Battambang, Kampong Chhnang, Banteay Meanchey, Siem Reap and Kampong Thom, said the government’s efforts have helped protect fish stocks but also created new challenges.
Their main concern is that while the government has acted to stop illegal fishing, it has not provided training or support for communities to adopt fish farming or alternative livelihoods. Some residents say they now face serious difficulties in earning a living, having previously relied solely on traditional fishing in natural lakes.
