To promote sustainable fisheries and ensure food security in Cambodia, Prime Minister Hun Manet released 1.5 million baby fish and young shrimp into a natural lake in the country’s southeast region on Monday to mark the 19th National Fish Day.

Conservation Efforts Key to Securing Future Generations

Hun Manet emphasized the importance of preserving fish species in their natural habitats and promoting fish-raising activities to meet the protein needs of the Cambodian people. “Fish is a major source of protein for our people, so it is necessary to protect, conserve, and develop fisheries resources for our people in the next generations,” he said.

The prime minister also highlighted the critical role sustainable preservation and development of fisheries resources play in ensuring food security and poverty reduction. “Sustainable preservation and development of fisheries resources will contribute to ensuring food security and poverty reduction,” he added.

Call to Action for Fishermen and Farmers

Hun Manet called on fishermen not to fish during the annual fish breeding season from July to October, encouraging them to allow the natural reproduction of fish and shrimp populations. He also urged farmers to expand their fish-raising activities to reduce the catches of natural fish.

According to Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Dith Tina, Cambodia harvested a record 426,000 tons of freshwater aquatic creatures in 2023, a year-on-year increase of 5%. The release of the baby shrimp and fish into the Boeung Thom lake aims to further boost the country’s aquaculture sector and ensure a sustainable supply of seafood for its people.