Thirteen Mekong Giant Catfish Released by Wonders of the Mekong in 2023

Wonders of the Mekong released a total of 13 critically endangered Mekong giant catfish into nature in Cambodia. This extraordinary effort surpasses releases from all previous years, showcasing the commitment of the Cambodian people, the Inland Fisheries Research and Development Institute of Cambodia, and the Fisheries Administration to conserving this remarkable species, underlined Wonders of the Mekong in a news release yesterday. These fish are among the largest in the world, second only to the Mekong giant stingray, which is also found in Cambodia, it added. Reporting and releasing giant catfish are a meaningful step towards preserving biodiversity and safeguarding the future of Cambodia's fisheries, said the source, stressing that by taking action, reporting, and releasing these fish, fishers are playing a vital role in ensuring the continued survival of the Mekong giant catfish and contributing to global efforts to protect biodiversity. Giant Mekong catfish (Pangasianodon gigas) is on the Internati onal Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Endangered Species and its fishing, buying, selling, and transporting have been strictly banned by Cambodian authority since 1956. It belongs to the top three largest fish species of Cambodia which are giant freshwater stingray, giant Mekong catfish, and giant barb. Giant Mekong catfish can reproduce from the age of 6-8 years old and can live up to 60 years. Source: Agence Kampuchea Presse