07/05/2026
Freshwater fish populations have plummeted by 81%.
And it’s threatening food security and river health worldwide.
Freshwater ecosystems are currently witnessing some of the most drastic wildlife declines on the planet. According to a 2024 global assessment, populations of migratory fish species plummeted by an average of 81% between 1970 and 2020. This collapse is primarily driven by human activities, including the construction of dams and barriers that block ancient migration routes, alongside pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change. These species are vital for maintaining the health of rivers and wetlands, yet they are disappearing at a rate significantly faster than both terrestrial and marine wildlife, leaving vital ecosystems on the brink of failure.
The disappearance of these fish is more than an environmental tragedy; it is a direct threat to global food security and local economies, particularly in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Migratory fish provide essential nutrition and income for millions of people who depend on healthy river systems. However, experts emphasize that recovery remains possible through concerted conservation efforts. Solutions such as removing obsolete dams, improving fish passage systems, and protecting free-flowing rivers have already shown success in restoring biodiversity. The challenge now lies in scaling these interventions rapidly before these vital freshwater systems reach a point of no return.
source: World Wildlife Fund. (2024). Living Planet Report 2024: A System in Peril. World Wildlife Fund.
