Experts warn that nearly a quarter of the world’s freshwater fish face extinction due to a combination of warming climates, overfishing, and pollution. This report highlights the urgency of protecting species that inhabit rivers, lakes, and wetlands around the globe, including areas as diverse as Lake Turkana in Kenya and the Mekong River in Southeast Asia.
Climate change affects freshwater species in multiple ways. Diminishing water levels, shifting seasonal patterns, and the intrusion of seawater into freshwater systems disrupt habitats and food supplies. In a study examining 14,898 freshwater fish species, researchers identified 3,086 as endangered, underscoring a broad and escalating threat to biodiversity in inland waters.
Scientists have long considered climate-driven stress a leading danger to coral reefs as well as to freshwater habitats. Research from Australian scientists at the University of Sydney indicates that warming waters and related changes intensify pressures on coral ecosystems, while some marine life experiences shifts in distribution and population dynamics that ripple through the food web.
There are also human-made hazards that compound natural stressors. Contamination from agricultural runoff, industrial pollutants, and plastic debris contributes to declining water quality and disrupts crucial life cycles for many fish species. Protective measures, including sustainable harvesting, habitat restoration, and stricter pollution controls, are essential to slow or reverse the risk of extinction for vulnerable populations.
Efforts to monitor and manage freshwater ecosystems are increasingly emphasized by conservationists. By tracking population trends, protecting spawning grounds, and preserving wetland areas, authorities aim to maintain viable populations and preserve the services these ecosystems provide, such as nutrient cycling, flood mitigation, and food security for communities that rely on fisheries.
Ultimately, a coordinated approach that combines climate resilience with strong governance and community engagement can help safeguard freshwater biodiversity for future generations. The lessons learned from inland water systems are closely tied to broader conservation goals and the sustainable use of natural resources around the world, including regions with rapidly expanding human populations.
In regions where fishing pressure remains high, fishing practices that minimize bycatch and protect juveniles can contribute to population stability. Similarly, restoring riparian vegetation helps regulate temperatures and provides essential habitat for spawning and feeding. When these strategies are implemented together, they offer a more robust chance of sustaining fish populations and the ecosystems that depend on them.