The Mekong giant catfish, one of the world’s largest freshwater fish, is critically endangered due to environmental changes and human activities. Found in the 4,900-kilometer-long Mekong River, these fish can reach lengths of 3 meters and weight 300 kilograms. Over the past few decades, their population has declined by 80% due to overfishing, habitat destruction, and dams that disrupt migration. Recently, six catfish were caught and released in Cambodia, highlighting conservation progress. Key areas like Phnom Penh and Tonle Sap Lake are crucial for migration, stressing the importance of protecting the river’s ecosystem, which supports fisheries and communities.

The Wonders of the Mekong project and Cambodia’s Fisheries Administration use tagging and tracking methods to study these fish. Over 100 have been tagged to map migration routes and habitats. Local fishers assist by reporting accidental catches, enabling safe releases. Conservationists also aim to protect other species, like the giant stingray, to maintain ecological balance. These efforts raise awareness about the challenges facing the Mekong River and its biodiversity.