The authorities are encouraging anglers to release endangered fish upon capture during the current freshwater fishing season, which will last until June of next year. This action aims to safeguard endangered species from the brink of extinction.
This appeal followed a recent incident in Stung Treng province, where a fisherman caught an endangered Asian giant softshell turtle and a Mekong giant salmon carp.
The Fisheries Administration (FiA), a division under the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, recently declared the commencement of the fishing season. The season spans from October 1 to next April for provinces north of the Chaktomuk River and from November to June for provinces south of the river.
During this period, the administration has issued clear instructions for fishermen to strictly adhere to the law and solely employ authorised fishing equipment.
Furthermore, any encounter with an endangered species necessitates their immediate release as part of conservation efforts.
On October 3, the Stung Treng provincial FiA reported notable catches by fishermen in O’Mreas commune, Siem Bok district, including a 5.5kg Mekong giant salmon carp (Aaptosyax grypus) and a 34kg Asian giant softshell turtle (Pelochelys cantorii).
After the release of these two specimens, Srey Sam Vichet, head of the provincial FiA, reminded fishermen to release rare species promptly. He explained that despite the Mekong giant salmon carp and Asian giant softshell turtle being indigenous to the area, both are endangered.
He said the preservation of these species holds great significance for the Kingdom, as some countries have already witnessed their extinction.
He drew attention to the 300kg giant Mekong stingray (Urogymnus polylepis) which was caught and released in Stung Treng province in June last year. The huge specimen was recently acknowledged as the largest fresh water fish on record by Guinness World Records, a testament to the country’s conservation efforts.
He urged fishermen to exercise diligence in safeguarding endangered fish species, such as the thick-lip barb (Probarbus labeamajor), giant barb (Catlocarpio siamensis), giant devil catfish (Bagarius yarrelli), and elephant ear gourami (Osphronemus exodon).
Nhuon Chanty, the Mekong regional coordinator for Wildlife Conservation Society Cambodia (WCS), told The Post that the 30kg Asian giant softshell turtle was caught in Kratie using a fishing rod, fortunately avoiding severe harm.
Currently, WCS is administering care to the turtle, with plans for its eventual return to its natural habitat.
Chanty described the critically endangered status of the species, noting that a WCS team identified just ten nests in 2022, a significant decline from the 65 observed in 2021.
He attributed the decline to various factors, including electrofishing and the illicit wildlife trade, as well as the loss of its habitat and disturbances caused by human activities.
He explained that his NGO engages in educational outreach programmes within the community and schools to foster public involvement in their efforts to safeguard and conserve these precious species.
