Southeast Asian nations release millions of fish to restore river ecosystems

Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar have launched a large-scale fish restocking initiative, releasing nearly 100 million fingerlings into rivers and lakes to restore aquatic ecosystems and support local livelihoods. This is reported by BERNAMA, a partner of TV BRICS.

The annual effort, held during the monsoon season, aims to combat the decline in fish populations that are vital to food security and income in the region. 

This year, Laos leads the campaign with plans to release 65 million juvenile fish, followed by Myanmar with 35 million and Cambodia with 1.5 million. 

Laotian Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Chanthakone Boualaphan highlighted the ecological and cultural importance of the country's 500 native fish species. "Let’s release fish and aquatic animals back into nature so they can thrive forever. Protecting them is the obligation of the entire nation,” he urged.

Fishing remains a cornerstone of economic life across the three countries. Per capita fish consumption last year stood at 30 kg in Laos, 42 kg in Myanmar, and 52 kg in Cambodia.

Photo: iStock