AKP Phnom Penh, September 03, 2025 --  

Dugongs, one of the world’s rare and vulnerable marine animals, have been recorded once again in the Kep Archipelago.

According to the Marine Conservation of Cambodia (MCC)’s news release issued on Sept. 2, during diving surveys, a new dugong feeding trail was recorded in the Halophila sp. area, one of their preferred seagrass species, and later, the team had the incredible privilege to see them from the sky with a drone. 

Their return is the result of the joint conservation efforts of MCC and the Fisheries Administration, along with the recovery of seagrass meadows, essential for their survival, it added.

However, the source continued, some fishing methods that negative impact on the marine biodiversity can still be observed in the area, representing a serious threat to these marine mammals and their habitat.

“While many efforts have already been made, continued attention is needed to address these threats and ensure a safe environment for dugongs in the Cambodia sea,” MCC said.

Kampot province is home to nine fishing communities and rich marine biodiversity, including eleven species of seaweed across 8,435 hectares of seabed, 953 hectares of coral reefs, 1,966 hectares of mangrove forests, and 13 designated conservation sites.

By Phal Sophanith