Issued by the World Fish Migration Foundation and Zoological Society of London
A report that measures the status of migratory fish around the world has been launched and the findings confirm that migratory freshwater fish may be more threatened throughout their range than previously documented. FCF was one of a number of organizations that assisted with reviews, editing, and compiling information.
The updated information should serve as a dire warning that many migratory fish populations or species may be lost if conservation actions are not implemented.
Some findings of the report:
- Migratory fish populations have declined, on average, 76% for the period of 1970 – 2016
- For Europe, the average declines of migratory fish are at 93%
- For Latin America & Caribbean, the average declines of migratory fish are at 84%
- In North America, average declines of migratory fish are lower 28%, suggesting that management of fisheries and aquatic habitat have improved
- The rate of decline for migratory fish is higher than the rate observed for terrestrial and marine species
- Protecting migratory fish habitat also protects other freshwater vertebrate life, where overall declines are reported at an 83% loss
- Populations that received some form of management decreased less than the unmanaged ones
- Habitat degradation, alteration, and loss account for approximately half of the threats to migratory fish
- Hydropower, overfishing, climate change and pollution are all factors that caused declining populations
The authors and organizations associated with this report call upon the global community to protect free-flowing rivers and guide basin-wide planning by addressing existing threats, adhering to ongoing conservation initiatives and water protection laws, investing in sustainable renewable alternatives to the thousands of new hydropower dams that are planned across the world and fostering public and political will.
Download the report and learn more at:
https://www.worldfishmigrationfoundation.com/living-planet-index-2020
We encourage you to share this information and links with your own networks.
If you are on Social Media, please promote the “Living Planet Index for Migratory Freshwater Fish” report and its finding so others may can be aware of the immediate need to protect migratory fish.
Relevant Hashtags: #76percent ; #LPImigratoryfish ; #WorldFishMigrationDay ; #fishmigration ; #happyfish
World Fish Migration Day is October 24th, 2020
This provides more opportunities share the finding of this report and educate your friends, family, colleagues, and communities about the migratory fish in your area.
It is easy to plan and register an event – https://www.worldfishmigrationday.com/home
FCF has provided several suggestions on events that you can plan. Let us know if you have more ideas! https://www.fishconserve.org/worldfishmigration/