Wednesday July 2, 2025
Khmer Times —
Cambodia’s dolphin conservation efforts have shown promising results, with seven new dolphin births and no reported deaths in the first six months of this year. This brings the total population to 111, reflecting the effectiveness of ongoing protection measures.
The announcement coincided with Cambodia’s 20th National Fish Day, celebrated yesterday in Bati district, Takeo province.
The event, presided over by Prime Minister Hun Manet and attended by over 5,800 people, aimed to promote fish conservation in natural waters and increase fish production in inland areas, especially in lowland regions far from traditional fishing grounds.
To mark the occasion, the government released 1.5 million fish fry and more than 20 species of aquatic life—including catfish, carp, turtles, and freshwater shrimp—into the Bati River in Kraing Thanh commune.
Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Dith Tina, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to the sustainable development of fisheries. He credited the recent dolphin population growth to the tireless efforts of river guards, local authorities, and the growing awareness and cooperation of local fishing communities.
Tina also acknowledged a $10,000 donation from Queen Norodom Monineath Sihanouk to support more effective dolphin conservation efforts. He highlighted that over 20,000 hectares of dolphin conservation zones have been officially registered by the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction.
Last year, the Kingdom registered nine newborns, the highest number in the past four years. In 2023, eight dolphin calves were born, up from six each in 2022 and 2021.
The Mekong Irrawaddy dolphins (Orcaella brevirostris) are a living natural treasure of Cambodia and are fully protected under the Kingdom’s Fisheries Law. The population is ranked as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List, the highest international threat ranking for endangered species.
In addition to river conservation efforts, the ministry has deployed over 1,300 artificial shelter boxes in marine areas to enhance aquatic habitats and deter illegal trawling. Nearly 1,500 fishing vessels have also been equipped with video monitoring systems (VMS) to track fishing activity in regulated zones.
Mr Hun Manet called on the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to strengthen conservation efforts, particularly for Mekong River dolphins, breeding fish, and endangered aquatic species.
He urged all relevant ministries, institutions, and sub-national authorities to intensify public education campaigns and enforce stricter legal action against illegal fishing and encroachment on protected areas.
He also emphasised the need to promote the replanting of flooded and mangrove forests, vital habitats for aquatic life. Additionally, he encouraged continued collaboration between the Agriculture Ministry and the Ministry of Land Management to expedite the official registration of key conservation zones, especially around Tonle Sap Lake and Cambodia’s coastal regions.