Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet (front, 2nd R) releases aquatic creatures into a river during the National Fish Day in Svay Rieng province, Cambodia, on July 1, 2026. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet celebrated the 21st National Fish Day on Wednesday by releasing 1.5 million aquatic creatures into a river in southeastern Svay Rieng province. (Photo: Xinhua)

PHNOM PENH, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet celebrated the 21st National Fish Day on Wednesday by releasing 1.5 million young aquatic creatures into a river in southeastern Svay Rieng province.

At a ceremony by the Vaikou River in Svay Rieng City, Hun Manet said that the annual event encourages citizens to protect natural fish species sustainably and boost aquaculture to ensure food security.

"Fish is a major source of protein for our people's daily lives and the main source of daily income for our fishermen," he said in a speech broadcast live on the state-owned National Television of Cambodia.

Hun Manet urged fishermen to avoid fishing during the June-October breeding season and encouraged farmers to expand aquaculture to protect natural fish stocks.

"Please refrain from fishing during the breeding season, as one mother fish can hatch thousands of offspring each year," he said.

Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Dith Tina said that over 20 species of aquatic life, including fish, shrimp, eels, snails, mussels, and turtles, were released into the river.

He said that the Southeast Asian nation's freshwater fisheries production reached 514,830 tonnes in 2025, reflecting a 10 percent year-on-year increase.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, fish account for 76 percent of household protein intake in the country, playing a crucial role in ensuring food security and supporting about 2 million jobs nationwide.

On average, a Cambodian consumes 52.4 kg of fish annually. ■

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet (front, C) releases a fish into a river during the National Fish Day in Svay Rieng province, Cambodia, on July 1, 2026.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet celebrated the 21st National Fish Day on Wednesday by releasing 1.5 million aquatic creatures into a river in southeastern Svay Rieng province. (Photo by Sovannara/Xinhua)