PHNOM PENH – Giant freshwater stingrays and giant salmon carp are to be added to the country’s official list of endangered fisheries species.

This will ensure stronger legal protection and conservation efforts for their long-term survival, Ouk Vibol, director of the Fisheries Administration conservation department said. 

“The inclusion will help ensure the survival of these rare species through measures such as prohibiting habitat destruction, fishing, trade and enforcing other penalties,” Vibol said. 

“The Fisheries Administration and other stakeholders are also exploring conservation projects for giant freshwater stingray revitalization and similar efforts towards Mekong Irrawaddy dolphins.” 

Vibol said documents are being prepared for the government to add these species to the list. 

The Wildlife Conservation Society, in collaboration with the Fisheries Administration, organized a workshop on March 13 and 14 to gather detailed information on these species, including their population status, habitat characteristics and threats. 

The workshop aimed to accelerate their inclusion on the list, along with other rare marine species.

The Mekong River in Cambodia is home to a limited number of giant freshwater stingrays, including one named Boramey, which was recognized by Guinness World Records in 2022 as the largest of its kind, weighing around 300 kilograms.

Despite its endangered status on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List in 2021, this species has yet to be added to Cambodia’s official list of endangered fisheries species. 

Giant freshwater stingray (Urogymnus polylepis) is primarily found in deep waters of Stung Treng and Kratie provinces, while giant salmon carp (Aaptosyax grypus) inhabits the deep waters of Upper Mekong River in the same regions. Both are classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List. 

The workshop gathered more than 50 experts from the Agriculture Ministry, the Fisheries and other authorities, partner organizations and fishing communities. 

Originally written in Khmer for ThmeyThmey, this story was translated by Rin Ousa for Cambodianess.