Fish Migrations Globally Face Collapse

A new global assessment reveals that migratory freshwater fish populations are rapidly declining, threatening food security and cultural traditions for millions of people. Researchers reviewed over 15,000 freshwater fish species and identified 325 requiring international conservation efforts. Ninety-seven percent of migratory fish already listed under the Convention on Migratory Species are at risk of extinction.

Populations of migratory freshwater megafish in Asia have declined by over 95% since 1970. The Mekong giant catfish, once migrating hundreds of miles, is critically endangered due to dams and overfishing. Similar declines are occurring in the Amazon, Columbia River, and South Asia, driven by dams, habitat loss, pollution, and overharvesting.

The assessment stresses the need for international cooperation to manage shared river basins, as freshwater fish are often managed locally despite crossing political boundaries. Restoring free-flowing rivers and reconnecting fragmented habitats are crucial for the survival of these species.