PHNOM PENH: The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries released a statement that it will allow small nets used by local families to be permitted in dolphin sanctuaries in the Kratie and Stung Treng provinces. According to a press release from the ministry on 27 April 2023, some protection measures implemented in February to protect dolphins in the Mekong River have been successful, while others have been viewed as unnecessary. One measure viewed as ineffective is the banning of small-scale fishing nets used by locals to provide food and a humble existence.

Other protective measures will remain in place such as the ban on large gillnets that affect dolphins and trout; and electric shock devices used in large-scale fishing.

The Royal Government has decided to repeal Sub-Decree 47 of the Mekong River Dolphin Management Zone, issued on 27 February 2023, and revert to Sub-Decree 155 from September 2012. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries confirmed it will continue to cooperate with regional administrations, the WWF and relevant authorities to disseminate relevant legal documents to the people, strengthen patrols, search for signs of illegal fishing practices, and prevent any activities which threaten dolphins and trout in conservation areas.

Prime Minister Hun Sen officially repealed the recent sub-decree and replaced it with the old one, expressing his intent to protect the interests of Cambodian fishermen.