20% of Fish Species in the Mekong River Face Extinction Risk
The Mekong River, one of the most biologically diverse rivers in the world, is home to approximately 1,148 recognized fish species, with millions of people relying on the river for their livelihoods.
However, environmental activists warn that the Mekong River is facing numerous threats, including dam construction, sand mining, poor fisheries management, habitat loss, and the introduction of invasive species.
A report reveals that 19% of fish species in the river are seriously threatened by these changes. It emphasizes that the depletion of fish populations will have a significant impact on the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on the river.
Lan Mercado, the Director of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Asia-Pacific, states that the alarming decline in the Mekong River’s fish populations should be a wake-up call for urgent action. “We must act now to reverse this devastating trend because the Mekong community and its countries cannot afford to lose them,” Mercado says.
The report, which combines the findings of 25 regional and international research groups, assesses the impacts on different sections of the 4,900 km (3,040 miles) river, the longest in Southeast Asia. It includes Cambodia’s Tonle Sap Lake, where fish populations have declined by 88% between 2003 and 2019.
The researchers have confirmed that 74 fish species are assessed as being “at risk of extinction” according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List.
Additionally, the internationally recognized index of biodiversity health lists 18 species as being in serious danger.
According to the report, these figures likely underestimate the actual threat since research data is scarce, and many river-dwelling species have not been thoroughly studied. The actual number of globally threatened fish species living in the Mekong River is expected to be much higher than the reported 74 species.
Furthermore, the disappearance of fish species could exacerbate deforestation in the region as millions of individuals, who previously relied on the river, are forced to turn to agriculture. The Mekong River accounts for approximately 15% of global inland fisheries production.
Herman Wanningen, the Executive Director of the World Fish Migration Foundation, warns, “It is clear that we are risking a new biodiversity crisis for the Mekong River basin. But it is not too late.”
The report recommends that Mekong River countries commit to implementing the Water Challenge, as well as protecting and restoring the river’s ecosystem.
Increasing the river’s natural flow, improving water quality, safeguarding habitats and important species, and removing outdated river barriers are among the six pillars recommended to help restore the Mekong River.
For more information on this issue, visit Business Today.