July 4, 2025
PHNOM PENH – One of seven newborn dolphin calves born in the first six months of 2025 swims in the Mekong. The birth brings the Kingdom’s Mekong dolphin population to 111. Agriculture ministry
A total of 20 conservation and community fisheries areas in eight provinces across Cambodia — covering a combined land area of approximately 25,000 hectares — have now been officially registered with the Ministry of Land Management, including over 20,000 hectares of Mekong River dolphin habitat.
Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Dith Tina, announced the welcome news on July 1, during celebrations of Cambodia’s National Fish Day, held in Bati district, Takeo province.
Referring to the registration of more than 20,000 hectares of dolphin conservation areas, the minister jokingly remarked that “the dolphins now have land titles”.
This formal recognition has greatly encouraged conservation teams and boosted their morale to continue efforts to protect aquatic biodiversity.
Tina also noted the impressive results that have been yielded by the management and conservation of the Kingdom’s freshwater dolphin population. In the first six months of 2025, seven dolphin calves were born, and no deaths were reported, bringing the total Mekong dolphin population in Cambodia to 111 individuals.
“These excellent results would not have been possible without the tireless day-and-night dedication of our river guards, along with the strong participation of provincial authorities, local governments and widespread awareness among fishing communities,” he continued.
Adding to this momentum, Cambodia’s Queen Mother, Her Majesty Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, recently expressed her deep affection and compassion for the Mekong dolphins, which are considered a national treasure. Her Majesty also contributed a generous donation to assist the government in enhancing dolphin conservation efforts.
On March 7, a total of 21,966.51 hectares in Kratie province — designated as the Mekong dolphin conservation and management zone — was officially registered as state land under the agriculture ministry’s jurisdiction.
The total conservation area stretches for 85 kilometres, from Stung Treng provincial town to Kratie province. The zone is patrolled and protected by 44 river guards, who work to preserve biodiversity and safeguard the dolphin population. Their efforts are supported by the government through the agriculture ministry, the Fisheries Administration, local authorities and WWF-Cambodia.