health
Epic river migrations of fish rapidly collapsing, UN report finds
Vast journeys, among world’s great wonders, found to be under threat as freshwater fish populations crash by 81%
TL;DR
- Freshwater fish populations have crashed by approximately 81% since 1970.
- Migratory freshwater fish are among the most imperiled wildlife on the planet.
- Threats include pollution, dams blocking waterways, overfishing, and climate change.
- The collapse of river migrations is an overlooked biodiversity crisis.
- 325 freshwater fish species that cross borders were identified for protective action, but only 24 are listed.
- International cooperation is essential to manage rivers as connected systems and protect migratory fish.
- The Amazon basin is a stronghold for migratory fish, with a proposed decade-long action plan.
- The Mekong river basin is in particular trouble, with key nations not yet members of the CMS treaty.
- Other priority river basins include the Danube, Nile, and Ganges-Brahmaputra.
- Losses have already occurred, such as the extinction of the Chinese paddlefish.