Text written in Basque and translated automatically by Elia without any subsequent editing. SEE ORIGINAL

Migratory fish of rivers in severe decline

Freshwater migratory fish are threatened with extinction by the report presented by the United Nations Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species. According to this report, in addition to the 24 species already listed, 325 other species of fish require protective measures. Of the species included in the list, 50 are of European origin, among which are the eel, salmon and cola.

The study shows that freshwater migratory fish stocks have decreased by 81% since 1970. In addition, almost 97% of the species on the list are in danger of extinction.

Behind this decline are dams, hydraulic infrastructures and other obstacles that interrupt river connectivity. Many fish require long and uninterrupted river corridors to connect their breeding, feeding and breeding areas. When these roads are cut off, populations are rapidly reduced. On the other hand, pollution, overfishing and climate change are also causing the decline of these species.

The report highlights that these species are among the most threatened on the planet and their conservation cannot be understood from the perspective of single nations: often migratory fish cross several countries during their life cycle. That is why experts stress that it is essential to strengthen international cooperation. They have also proposed practical measures such as the protection of migratory corridors, the guarantee of ecological flows, the establishment of management plans at the basin level and the coordinated regulation of fishing.