Freshwater Crisis - Dayton Samuels



 New studies are reporting more than one third of freshwater fish species are facing extinction. There are many things leading to this such as habitat destruction, hydropower dams on free flowing rivers, over abstraction of water for irrigation, and pollution from the vast majority of people. Just recently, strides have been made for getting population totals for all freshwater fish so we can accurately assess species who should be red listed and protected through IUNC.

To help reverse the effects on freshwater fishes, in February 2020, they launched the “Emergency Recovery Plan”. A six point plan which has been tested and proven to be successful on a smaller scale. The six points are as follows,

1.) Letting rivers flow more naturally

2.) Reducing pollution 

3.) Protecting critical wetland habitats

4.) Curbing overfishing

5.) Controlling invasive species 

6.) Safeguarding and restoring river connectivity 


“The fact that freshwater diversity is declining at twice the rate of that of terrestrial or marine species, is not just an alarming statistic for the environment, it is also highly concerning for people’s health and job security”
 - James Dalton, IUCN Director Global Water Program.

Source: IUNC.org

Comments

  1. TomasSeptember 18, 2021 at 11:44 AM

    I believe out of the 6 points the most harmful is invasive species because most of them reproduce faster than humans can try and control the population and they have no predators because the animals in that habitat have never had to try and fight for food against the fish.

    ReplyDelete

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