Cambodia & Nature : Multiple catches of Giant Catfish mark new era in Conservation

The recent capture of multiple Mekong giant catfish, one of the largest and rarest freshwater fish in the world, has marked a significant turning point in conservation efforts.

In a remarkable and unprecedented event, six of these critically endangered fish have been caught and released in Cambodia within the span of just a few days

These catches provide evidence that decades of conservation work and community engagement are paying off, offering new hope for the survival of a species that has become increasingly rare in much of its native habitat.

As reported in a joint press release, the Mekong giant catfish, among the largest freshwater fish in the world, can reach lengths of nearly three metres and weigh up to 300 kilograms. It is uncommon to encounter even a single one of these creatures, let alone six in a short period of time. This is a unique occurrence in the history of their conservation. This remarkable achievement highlights the efficacy of a collaborative initiative between the Inland Fisheries Research and Development Institute of the Cambodian Fisheries Administration, local fishing communities, and the Wonders of the Mekong project, which is funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

The series of events commenced on 6 December, when two Mekong giant catfish were incidentally caught on the Tonle Sap River in the vicinity of Phnom Penh and subsequently tagged and released. In the following days, four additional giant catfish were caught and released at various locations along the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers. During each event, detailed data were collected. The four fish included two individuals of considerable size, weighing 120 and 131 kilograms and measuring over two metres in length. Each fish was fitted with identification tags to facilitate long-term tracking and research.

This success serves to underscore the pivotal role played by local communities in the field of conservation. A consequence of years of outreach and education by researchers and fisheries officials has been the creation of awareness among fishermen of the importance of reporting catches of rare and endangered species.

"Fishermen now contact the Cambodian Fisheries Administration when they accidentally catch a rare fish because they have been made aware of the importance of protecting these extraordinary species. "Their cooperation is vital for the success of our research and conservation efforts," stated Dr. Heng Kong, Director of Cambodia's Inland Fisheries Research and Development Institute.

The fishermen who participated in these releases expressed a combination of awe and pride. Mr. Ly Sary, whose family has fished along the Mekong for three generations, described the experience as both "shocking and joyous," and noted that the giant catfish is a very rare fish. It is my hope that all fishermen will participate in the conservation of these species.

Over the past 25 years, approximately 100 individuals have been tagged and released as part of a collaborative conservation programme

This work has provided crucial insights into the migration patterns, habitats, and population health of these creatures, equipping researchers with the knowledge necessary to ensure the continued protection of these giants and their ecosystem. The fish were observed to be migrating from floodplain habitats in the vicinity of Cambodia's Tonle Sap Lake in a northerly direction along the Mekong River, with the probable destination being spawning grounds in northern Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand.

Dr. Zeb Hogan, a research biologist at the University of Nevada, Reno who leads the Wonders of the Mekong project, emphasised the importance of these findings.

"These sightings not only offer a rare opportunity to observe one of the world's most elusive fish, but also provide vital data for understanding and protecting the migration corridors and spawning grounds essential for their survival."

The Mekong giant catfish is not merely an endangered species; it serves as a vital indicator of the health of the Mekong River, which is among the world's most biodiverse and economically significant waterways. The Mekong River supports fisheries with an annual value of US$10 billion, providing food, livelihoods and cultural significance to tens of millions of people. The survival of the giant catfish is inextricably linked to the river's ecological health, thereby underscoring the urgent need to protect its free-flowing connectivity.

It is emphasised by researchers that the survival of the Mekong giant catfish is contingent upon the continuation of conservation efforts and the protection of its habitat. These recent events serve to both celebrate progress and to issue a call to action.

Mr. Thach Phanara, an official with the Cambodian Fisheries Administration who has helped tag and release the majority of giant catfish over the years, states that the Mekong giant catfish is more than a fish; it is part of the region's heritage. He further asserts that protecting these fish means protecting the river and everything it provides.