Posters have been shared to explain the nature of the ban to local fishing communities. Supplied
The 2025 closed fishing season will begin this Sunday, June 1st, at the end of this week. During this period, freshwater commercial fishing is banned, and only the use of household-scale fishing equipment is permitted.
The Fisheries Administration (FiA) under the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries issued a May 26 public notice informing all citizens that the closed season for freshwater fishing in designated fishing zones will run from June 1 to September 30 for northern regions.
This includes Kampong Chhnang, Pursat, Battambang, Pailin, Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, Siem Reap, Kampong Thom, Preah Vihear, Ratanakiri, Mondulkiri, Kratie, Tbong Khmum, Kampong Cham, and parts of Phnom Penh and Kandal provinces, located north of the Tonle Chaktomuk River demarcation line.
South of the demarcation line, the restrictions will run from July 1 to October 31, affecting Prey Veng, Svay Rieng, Takeo, Kampong Speu, and parts of Phnom Penh and Kandal provinces.
“During the closed fishing season, all fishers must only use household fishing gear as stipulated in Proclamation No. 458 dated October 22, 2012,” explained the FiA.
The administration called on the public to comply with this announcement to help conserve and protect fishery resources for future generations.
Electrical shock devices are illegal under any circumstances. Supllied
Related to fishery sector, the Draft Law on Fisheries was also brought forward for review and feedback during a meeting of the Permanent Committee of the Senate on the morning of May 27, following a request from the National Assembly.
The draft law, which consists of 15 chapters, 104 articles, and two annexes, was passed by the National Assembly on May 22 during its 4th session.
This draft law is designed to replace the 2006 Fisheries Law. It aims to manage, conserve and develop the fisheries sector more effectively in order to ensure food security, economic and environmental sustainability, and the protection of the rights and interests of fishers, fishing communities, aquaculture farmers and businesses.
It is tailored to reflect the current context of socio-economic development, technological progress and broader participation in the management and conservation of fisheries resources within both regional and international frameworks — especially in combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
