Conservationists in Cambodia are celebrating the discovery of six rare Mekong giant catfish, one of the world’s largest freshwater fish, in the Mekong River. The endangered species, weighing up to 130 kilograms (287 pounds) and measuring two meters long, were caught, tagged, and safely released back into the river.
The recent finds mark a critical victory for conservationists working to protect the species, which has suffered an estimated 80% population decline over the past 13 years, according to the IUCN Red List. The event is described as a “new era of conservation” and brings renewed hope for the survival of this iconic fish.
Despite these conservation efforts, the Mekong River Basin faces significant challenges, including:
Overfishing and illegal fishing practices, Plastic pollution, which threatens aquatic habitats, Upstream dam construction, impacting the river’s natural flow, Climate change, exacerbating water level fluctuations.
Cambodia has implemented strict fishing regulations to protect endangered species in the Mekong. Over the past 25 years, conservation programs have tagged and released around 100 Mekong giant catfish. Fishermen are also encouraged to report rare species, contributing to research and preservation efforts.
The Mekong giant catfish joins other endangered river species like the Irrawaddy dolphin and giant freshwater stingray, which face similar threats despite ongoing conservation work.
The discovery signals progress but highlights the urgent need for regional collaboration to address the root causes of habitat loss. Conservationists are hopeful that the increased attention to the Mekong’s biodiversity will lead to stronger protective measures for these rare aquatic giants.
