Cambodia this morning marked the 18th National Fisheries Day at Trapaing Thmar reservoir located in Trapaing Thmar village, Poy Char commune, Phnom Srok district, Banteay Meanchey province.

Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen presided over the annual celebration.

Speaking at this important event, Samdech Techo Hun Sen appealed for more release of baby fish and aquaculture practice as the natural fish production cannot support the increasing population anymore.

“This annual celebration is just a symbolic event. The release of baby fish does not happen only on July 1, but as everyday as possible,” he underlined.

The Premier also lauded the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries’ efforts in conducting reforms in the fisheries framework.

Some 1 million baby fish of various species, turtles, frogs … and about 200,000 young lobsters will be released at Trapaing Thmar reservoir.

The National Fisheries Day, which began in 2003, is aimed at increasing the fish population throughout the country.

According to a research conducted by WorldFish organisation in cooperation with the Freshwater Fisheries Development and Research Institute of Cambodia’s Fisheries Administration, Cambodian Agricultural Research and Development Institute, each Cambodian household consumes some 5,3 kilogrammes of fish five times a week and 63 percent of rural people have jobs related to fishing.

Source: Agency Kampuchea Press