A fish once feared extinct in the Mekong River, the giant salmon carp, has recently reappeared, offering hope for its survival. This significant discovery comes after the species had not been officially sighted since 2005. Known for its size, reaching up to 4 feet in length, the fish features a distinctive knob on its lower jaw and a striking yellow patch around its eyes. The last few years have witnessed several sightings, driven by biologists’ initiatives to involve local fishing communities in the search. Since 2020, three specimens have been identified in the Mekong River and a tributary, signaling a remarkable opportunity to better understand and potentially protect this species. Chheana Chhut from Cambodia’s Inland Fisheries Research and Development Institute remarked on the species’ long absence from the region, which had led many to believe it had vanished entirely.

Efforts to protect the giant salmon carp, however, face formidable obstacles. Industrial pollution, rampant overfishing, and the development of over 700 dams across the Mekong basin have severely disrupted essential migratory routes for numerous fish species. Experts, including Brian Eyler of the Stimson Center, have raised concerns over the inadequacies of fish migration passages in these dams, emphasizing that few have been designed effectively. Despite these challenges, collaborative conservation initiatives continue. Biologists are expanding partnerships with communities across Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos to investigate whether the fish inhabits other river sections. Such international cooperation and sustainable practices are deemed vital for ensuring the longevity of this emblematic but vulnerable species.