Nearly 500 Arrested in Cambodia’s Crackdown on Illegal Fishing

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PHOTO: RCA/ THE PHNOM PENH POST

 

PHNOM PENH – Cambodian authorities have intensified their crackdown on illegal fishing in the Tonle Sap Lake, arresting 478 suspects since the start of the year, including 47 Vietnamese nationals.

 

The Royal Cambodia Army (RCA) announced on 24 March that the operations led to the destruction of over 2.8 million metres of fishing nets, along with 7,225 fish traps and 590,071 bamboo stakes. Officials also released 27 tonnes of fish and 725 tonnes of shellfish back into the lake.

 

In addition to the arrests, citizens voluntarily surrendered 315 electric fishing devices and one airgun, while authorities confiscated 56 boats, two vehicles, 14 boat engines, and eight clam filters, among other illegal equipment.

 

Beyond enforcement, soldiers and officials educated 1,187 individuals on legal fishing practices, with 441 pledging to cease illegal activities.

 

General Mao Sophann, commander of the RCA, commended the crackdown and called for continued collaboration between the army, local authorities, and fisheries crime suppression units. He emphasised the need to protect aquatic biodiversity while ensuring sustainable livelihoods for local communities.

 

“The army must work with relevant institutions to conserve and ensure the sustainability of aquatic resources for future generations while developing the Tonle Sap Lake,” he stated.

 

The Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake, is a vital source of food and income for millions. However, rampant illegal fishing has threatened its ecosystem, prompting authorities to ramp up enforcement efforts.

 

-2025-03-26