Guidelines for closed fishing season released
The closed fishing season is set to begin early June this year. KT/Pann Rachana
The Fisheries Administration banned the use of some fishing gears during the closed fishing season, which will begin early June, to contribute to the preservation and protection of fishery resources for future generations.
Eng Cheasan, director-general of the Fisheries Administration, said in an announcement earlier this week that the closed fishing season in freshwater areas will be from June 1 to September 30 and will cover all provinces around Tonle Sap Lake and north of Chaktomuk confluence, as well as the provinces of Kampong Cham, Tboung Khmum, Kratie, Ratanakiri, Mondulkiri, Preah Vihear, Pailin, and Oddar Meanchey.
Meanwhile, closed fishing season in the freshwater areas south of the Chaktomuk confluence and in the provinces of Prey Veng, Takeo, Kampong Speu, and Svay Rieng will be from July 1 to October 31.
“During the closed fishing period, all fishermen are required to use standard fishing equipment. Large-scale fishing gears will not be allowed for use while fishing nets must not go beyond 100 meters in length,” he said in the statement.
Mr. Cheasan also called on all fishermen to adhere to the recommendations of the prime minister and help protect fisheries conservation areas.
Takeo provincial fisheries administration director Sao Kosal said yesterday before the arrival of the closed fishing season, fisheries officials have already distributed leaflets to people to educate them regarding which fishing gears are prohibited.
“We have worked with the village and commune authorities to disseminate information to the people, especially those who are fishing. In addition, we have also prepared measures that seek to prevent and suppress any crime that may occur during the closed fishing season,” he said.
A report from the Agriculture Ministry revealed officials of the Fisheries Administration, in cooperation with relevant authorities, cracked down on 3,101 fisheries crimes last year – lower by 103 cases than the previous year.
The report said last year’s crackdowns resulted in the disposal of seized materials from 2,817 of the cases. It added that 131 cases resulted in a fine, 153 cases was sent to court and 102 people were imprisoned.
The confiscated and destroyed materials last year included fishing nets spanning a total of 1,149.20 kilometers, 575,731 poles, and 402 electrofishing equipment, among others.
A total of 47,286 kilograms of seized fish were also released back to the water.
