Nearly a third of fish living in rivers and lakes around the world are facing extinction as their habitats are in “catastrophic decline”, a report has warned. 

Freshwater species, which make up more than half of the world’s fish species, are central to the livelihoods of 60 million people and the diets of many others.

Some 30% of the 10,336 fish assessed by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species are at risk of extinction, according to a report from 16 organisations including WWF and the Zoological Society of London (ZSL).

Populations of migratory freshwater fish have fallen by 76% since 1970, while 80 species have been declared extinct.

Burbot and sturgeon are already extinct in the UK, the European eel is critically endangered and salmon have seen significant declines since the 1960s.

Much of the decline in the UK has been driven by the poor state of habitats, with none of England’s rivers meeting “chemical standards” for water quality last year.

This is thought to be a result of agricultural pollution, dams and sewage, WWF said.

Globally, similar habitats face threats such as destruction, dams on free-flowing rivers, too much water being taken for agriculture, and pollution.

Fish are also threatened by destructive fishing practices, overfishing, the impacts of climate change, wildlife crime, mining for sand in their habitats and the introduction of non-native species.

WWF has urged the UK government to support an emergency recovery plan for freshwater wildlife which has been drawn up by a global team of scientists.

The plan would include measures such as reducing pollution, ending overfishing, controlling invasive species and allowing rivers to flow more naturally.

Dave Tickner, chief adviser on freshwater at WWF, said: “Freshwater habitats are some of the most vibrant on earth, but – as this report shows – they are in catastrophic decline around the world.

“Nature is in freefall and the UK is no exception: wildlife struggles to survive, let alone thrive, in our polluted waters.”

A Defra spokesperson said: “We remain committed to working closely with water companies, farmers and the fishing industry to restore healthy fish stocks and habitats both through domestic action and international working.”

Related posts:

‘Two weeks of hell’: Desperation in India as oxygen ‘the price of gold’ Moving video shows crew of sunken submarine singing farewell song Tokyo games could lead to emergence of ‘Olympic’ COVID variant, warns top medic Israel and Hamas to face investigation for possible war crimes following 11 days of fighting Irish PM sets out roadmap for easing COVID restrictions – including return of foreign travel At least 30 soldiers killed and 65 injured in strikes on Yemen military base ‘Corruption from day one’: Afghan colonel now in hiding on who he blames for return of the Taliban British cargo vessel blocked in French port as fishing rights row escalates Australia ex-captain to take ‘leave of absence’ from cricket after sexting scandal Football game abandoned after COVID outbreak and injuries leave team with just six players on pitch ‘Archbishop Tutu lit up the world’: Tributes paid at funeral for anti-apartheid hero Fire breaks out again at South African parliament a day after main assembly chamber ‘gutted’