97% of migratory fish species at risk of extinction – The recent State of the World’s Migratory Species Report, presented at the 14th Conference of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS COP14) in Uzbekistan, provides a comprehensive picture of migratory species globally. Although some are showing improvement, 44% of listed species are experiencing population decline, and 22% are threatened with extinction, with a worrying 97% of migratory fish under this threat.
The main challenges for these species relate to overexploitation and habitat loss due to human activities. 51% of the areas crucial for the biodiversity of these species lack protection, while 58% of the sites monitored experience unsustainable levels of anthropogenic pressures. The report highlights that the main threats are caused by agriculture, infrastructure expansion and climate change.
Inger Andersen, UN Assistant Secretary General and Executive Director of the United Nations environment programme (UNEP), emphasises that the report is a wake-up call on the consequences of unsustainable human activities on migratory species. Andersen emphasises the importance of translating science into action and acting without delay to ensure the survival of these key species.
The report, edited by scientists at the World Conservation Monitoring Centre, emphasises the need to intensify efforts against the illegal and unsustainable taking of migratory species, and to effectively protect and manage sites critical to their survival. With clear recommendations to address climate change, pollution and other threats, the document offers a strong call for urgent and global action.
97% of migratory fish species at risk of extinction
