The Mekong giant catfish, among the largest and most endangered freshwater species globally, has shown hopeful progress due to conservation efforts. In Cambodia, six critically endangered fish were captured and released within five days, marking a significant development for the species. These enormous fish can grow up to 3 meters in length and weigh up to 300 kilograms. Historically, they were widely distributed throughout the 4,900-kilometer Mekong River. However, their population has declined by 80% over the last few decades due to overfishing, habitat loss, and dams that disrupt migratory routes. Recently, sightings near Phnom Penh and Tonle Sap Lake, vital points in the fish’s migratory path to spawning grounds in Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand, have emphasized the urgent need to protect the river’s ecosystem, which supports millions of people and contributes $10 billion annually to fisheries.

Research efforts, led by the Wonders of the Mekong project and Cambodia’s Fisheries Administration, have used tagging and monitoring techniques to study the catfish’s movements and habitats. More than 100 fish have been tagged, helping identify migration corridors and develop habitat preservation strategies. Local communities have also assisted by reporting accidental catches, enabling tagged fish to be safely released. Conservationists highlight the need to protect other megafauna, such as the giant stingray, to maintain ecological balance. Experts believe these discoveries provide a crucial opportunity to raise global awareness of the Mekong River’s conservation challenges.