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Deadly Collision Claims 67 Lives in U.S. Air Disaster | At Least 30 Dead and Many Injured in Stampede at Maha Kumbh Mela in India | Chinese President Xi Jinping Affirms Cambodia's Role as a Key Partner in China’s Diplomatic Strategy | Xi Jinping Concludes State Visit to Cambodia, Strengthening Bilateral Ties | Chinese President Xi Jinping Concludes Successful State Visit to Cambodia | Chinese Ambassador: US-China Trade Tensions Harm Developing Nations; President Xi Urges Investment in Cambodia and Expanded Market Access | Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force Ships Bungo and Etazima Dock at Ream Sea Base for Four-Day Visit | Prime Minister Hun Manet Expresses Displeasure Over Criticism of Chinese Investments During Kampot International Tourist Port Inauguration | Asian Development Bank Collaborates with Cambodia on New Development Projects Worth Over $1 Billion |

Report: 1.5 Million Fish Released into Boeung Thom to Replenish Natural Lake

  • Posted Jul 2, 2024 09:41 by Anthony Ellis
  • 1959
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Phnom Penh, July 2, 2024 – In celebration of the 19th National Fish Day, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries released 20 species of local fish, amounting to approximately 1.5 million fish, into Boeung Thom, a natural lake in Prey Chhor district. The species released include carp, elephant ear fish, catfish, trout, freshwater lobster, turtles, and more, with the aim of enriching the lake's biodiversity and improving the daily lives of the local community.

Prime Minister Hun Manet and Dr. Pech Chanmony Hun Manet presided over the National Fish Day event on July 1, 2024, attended by government members, professional officials, diplomats, and local residents. This marked the first time Hun Manet and Dr. Pech Chanmony Hun Manet presided over the event, which was previously overseen by former Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Local resident Sem Sarath expressed his happiness with the choice of Boeung Thom as the release site, noting that it would help promote a more diverse fish population in the lake. He mentioned that the lake, protected by the community, serves as an essential resource for thousands of people and attracts national tourists on weekends.

Another resident, Nhem Salin, highlighted the importance of this initiative in replenishing the lake's fish population, which has been declining due to overfishing and reduced water flow from the Mekong River. He emphasized the need for proper fishing practices and government support to restore the waterway from the Mekong River to the lake.

Boeung Thom, which spans three districts in Kampong Cham province, covers 1,507 hectares in the dry season and 1,924 hectares in the rainy season. It provides water for agriculture, sustains fish breeding, and supports the livelihoods of the local fishing communities. The lake is managed and protected by four fishing communities, comprising 1,765 fishermen.

Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Dith Tina noted that in 2023, over 269 million juveniles were hatched and released into the wild to support local farming and business. Cambodia produced 314,000 tons of freshwater and marine aquaculture in 2023, helping to reduce pressure on natural fisheries and boost the national economy. The country also exported nearly 3,000 tons of fishery products in 2022 and over 3,500 tons in 2023.

National Fish Day, celebrated annually since 2003, aims to promote the sustainable development of fisheries resources. Prime Minister Hun Manet emphasized the importance of protecting and conserving these resources for future generations. He also reiterated the government's commitment to supporting the agricultural sector to ensure food security and improve livelihoods.

Freshwater fish, a vital part of Cambodia's culture and economy, faces threats from infrastructure development along the Mekong River, illegal fishing, and climate change. The fisheries sector employs millions and is crucial for nutrition and income in the country.


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