AKP Phnom Penh, March 10, 2026 --

A senior official of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) has announced that Cambodia successfully prevented dolphin deaths caused by illegal fishing gear in 2025, while eight newborn dolphin calves were recorded, marking a highly positive conservation outcome.

The statement was made by H.E. Has Sareth, Secretary of State at the MAFF, during a meeting on strengthening the management and protection of Mekong River dolphins under the Commission for the Conservation and Development of the Mekong Dolphin Ecotourism Zone on Mar. 9 in Kratie city, Kratie province. 

H.E. Has Sareth praised and highly valued the collective efforts that have led to the successful protection of the dolphins.

He noted that the achievements resulted from close cooperation among the MAFF – particularly the Fisheries Conservation Department of the Fisheries Administration – as the implementing body, along with the provincial administrations of Kratie and Stung Treng, relevant provincial authorities, local administrations, WWF, and river guard teams.

These stakeholders have intensified patrols to prevent illegal fishing activities, monitored dolphin health, raised public awareness, and strengthened cooperation with development partners.

To further enhance dolphin protection, the Secretary of State outlined five key priorities: strengthening the structure and capacity of river guard teams; upgrading patrol stations, including transforming the Kampi patrol station into a research and monitoring centre with modern equipment; introducing advanced technologies such as automated cameras and drones linked to monitoring systems; prioritising the protection of fish spawning pools to ensure sustainable fish resources and dolphin food supply; and expanding education and awareness campaigns among local communities and the public to protect dolphins and the Mekong River ecosystem.

By C. Nika