This year’s traditional “Leung Meak” community fishing event drew thousands, with a much larger yield of fish caught by participants, who used traditional methods to catch the fish, in Siem reap province’s Boeung Bangkong lake.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries estimated that this year saw eight tonnes of fish caught, while the Provincial Department of Information described the communal fishing ceremony as an “Ancestral Heritage of the Angkor Region”.
The lake, in Bangkong village, Ampil commune, Prasat Bakong district, was filled with people, with local residents and foreign tourists gathering to take part in the February 8 celebration.
The event was not only about gathering food for the Leung Meak festival, note the department, but also a demonstration of solidarity and the preservation of invaluable intangible cultural heritage of the “people of Angkor”, explained the department.
So Platong, Prasat Bakong district governor, explained that this year’s gathering at Boeung Bangkong was held to pray for well-being, peace in the villages, protection from diseases, sufficient rainfall and fertile land for the upcoming agricultural season, and also symbolised the completion of harvesting work from the old year and preparation for the new one.
He also noted that participation this year was far greater than in previous years. A key factor contributing to the event’s growth was widespread promotion and the strong efforts of provincial authorities to promote cultural tourism.
“What makes Boeung Bangkong most special is its community regulations. Village authorities and the temple committee strictly protect the lake to conserve fish stocks. Fishing is only permitted using traditional tools,” he said, describing the ceremony as more than a form of entertainment; but a lesson in living in harmony with nature and preserving Khmer identity for future generations.
The agriculture ministry noted that the increase in fish stocks was the result of conservation efforts. Ministry secretary of state Khun Savoeun released around 50,000 juvenile fish into Boeung Bangkong in July 2025 to boost production, before leading a team from the ministry to take part in Sunday’s event. The fingerlings, of several different species, were donated by agriculture minister Dith Tina.
“Residents who participated in the ceremony expressed great joy and extended their deep gratitude and respect to Tina for his donation. Based on our estimates, the total fish harvest collected by the people amounted to approximately 8 tonnes,” said the ministry.
