A new report from the United Nations highlights a dramatic decline in migratory fish populations, with numbers dropping by 81% over the past 50 years, but the report, published by the BBC, states that 30 flagship fish species are now being prioritized for conservation efforts globally. These species. Including the golden mahseer and goonch catfish, face a range of threats including dams, pollution, and overfishing that prevent them from reaching their breeding grounds.

Global Importance of Migratory Freshwater Fish

According to Dr. Zeb Hogan. Co-author of the report and a professor of biology at the University of Nevada, Reno, migratory freshwater fish are vital to the livelihoods of hundreds of millions of people around the world. He emphasized that these fish not only provide food for 200 million people but also exhibit immense diversity, with some species weighing over 650 pounds and migrating thousands of miles. Examples include the golden dorado in South America and tropical eels in Oceania.

The report highlights that migratory fish species are not only essential for food security but also for the cultural and spiritual practices of many communities. Michele Thieme. Deputy lead for freshwater at World Wildlife Fund US, noted that the golden mahseer, known as the tiger of the river in the Himalayas, holds significant cultural value beyond its economic importance.

Thieme explained that the golden mahseer faces major threats from overfishing and habitat loss. Habitat loss includes dams that fragment river systems, altering the natural flow and preventing fish from connecting to their spawning grounds; this disruption can have serious consequences for the fish’s ability to reproduce and survive.

Challenges to Fish Migration

Dr. Janina Gray. Head of science at environment charity WildFish, noted that in Europe, fish encounter barriers to their migration routes every 0.6 miles on average. These barriers often include small culverts or weirs that are no longer in use but still prevent fish from moving freely. Gray explained that the cumulative effect of these barriers can be enormous, significantly impacting the energy reserves of migrating fish.

This energy drain can make fish more susceptible to disease and predation, and they may spawn in suboptimal conditions; the report exposes the importance of addressing these barriers to protect migratory fish populations and ensure their survival.

WildFish is advocating for the removal of redundant barriers to improve fish migration; Gray emphasized that while individual barriers may seem minor, their collective impact on fish populations is substantial. Removing these obstacles could help restore natural migration patterns and support the recovery of endangered species.

Global Cooperation and Future Steps

The report also highlights the need for global cooperation to address the decline in migratory fish populations. Prof Hogan noted that most species cross national borders during their migrations, requiring coordinated efforts between governments to tackle threats and ensure the recovery of national fish stocks.

The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS), a global UN treaty signed in 1979, commits countries to working together to protect migrating species of all kinds. The UN is now proposing that the 30 fish species be added to the CMS at its annual meeting in three years’ time.

Amy Fraenkel, the UN Executive Secretary for the CMS, pointed out that the focus has historically been on more visible species like big cats, antelope, whales, and dolphins. She noted that it is now the turn of migratory freshwater fish to benefit from coordinated action and international support.

The Saiga antelope is an example of a species that has successfully rebounded from a near-extinction crisis. In 2015, the antelope suffered a mass die-off, but an international anti-poaching team was established, leading to a recovery of more than a million individuals. This success story illustrates the potential for coordinated efforts to protect and recover endangered species.

The report calls for increased attention to the plight of migratory freshwater fish, which have long been overlooked despite their ecological and cultural significance. By addressing the threats they face, including habitat loss and overfishing, global conservation efforts can help ensure their survival and the continued benefits they provide to human communities.