1st March, 2024
CHIRANJIT MITRA
● A new report issued by the United Nations highlights the alarming state of migratory fish populations around the globe. ● Crucial to ecosystems and human food security, these fish face unprecedented threats.
● Migratory fish travel long distances between freshwater and saltwater habitats for breeding, feeding, or other lifecycle stages. ● Examples include salmon, eels, sturgeon, shad, and herring.
● On average, populations of migratory fish tracked by the UN have declined by 90% since 1970. ● Some species face a much steeper decline, with populations reduced by up to 99%.
● The main culprits include: ◆ Overfishing, ◆ Dams and other barriers blocking the migration route, ◆Dams and other barriers blocking the migration route, ◆ Climate change
● Migratory fish are vital components of freshwater and marine ecosystems. ● They provide a food source for countless other species, including humans. ● Their decline has cascading effects on food webs and ecological balance. ● Millions of people, especially in developing countries, rely on migratory fish for their livelihoods and food security.
The UN report urges action to halt and reverse this decline: ● Improving fisheries management and reducing overfishing. ● Removing or modifying dams to restore migration pathways. ● Tackling pollution and restoring degraded habitats. ● International cooperation is essential, as many migratory fish cross national borders.
The decline of migratory fish is a stark reminder of the human impact on our planet's ecosystems.
Without immediate action, we risk losing these iconic species and the benefits they provide, with far-reaching consequences.