Background
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) coordinates conservation activities for freshwater species through field surveillance, scientific monitoring, and law-enforcement collaboration in Cambodia’s inland waterways. A conservation command post centralizes coordination for 24-hour patrols, data collection, and rapid responses to illegal fishing incidents.
MAFF has signalled integration of modern scientific tools into riverine monitoring, including environmental DNA (eDNA) testing and passive acoustic monitoring (PAM), alongside community-based livelihood support such as nature tourism. International conservation partners and technical experts participate in operational planning and site visits to align surveillance, data collection, and response procedures for Mekong river dolphins.
Key Developments
On 14 August 2026 Deputy Secretary of State Em Rachana welcomed an international delegation of conservation experts at the Kampi site in Kratie province and announced plans to establish a “conservation command post” by the end of 2026. MAFF said the command post will be backed by WWF and a special Mekong‑Lancang cooperation fund and will enable specialists—particularly riverine patrol teams—to monitor, collect data, observe, and respond to illegal fishing practices such as the use of trawling gear.
The announcement outlined operational measures that include continuous patrols, intensified crackdowns on illegal fishing, application of eDNA and PAM technologies, and promotion of community livelihoods through eco-tourism. Visiting participants included WWF representatives from multiple country offices, experts from The Marine Mammal Center (TMMC) and the International Whaling Commission (IWC), Indonesian government officials, and riverine force personnel.
Operational Implications
Establishing a dedicated command post creates a single coordination point for multi-agency patrols, scientific monitoring, and incident response along the Kampi sector of the Mekong River. The reported combination of around-the-clock patrols, acoustic monitoring, and eDNA analysis is intended to expand the range of detection methods available to field teams and standardize data collection for conservation planning.
Institutional Role
MAFF is leading the development of the operational platform and is engaging international NGOs and scientific bodies for technical support and capacity building. The model described pairs enforcement activities with community engagement and tourism initiatives to integrate conservation surveillance with local livelihood strategies.
