The latest UN report, marking the first comprehensive assessment of the world’s migratory species, paints a grim picture of the status of migratory fish species. Revealed at the opening of a major UN wildlife conservation conference, the report underscores a dire situation: nearly half of all migratory species are in decline, with a staggering 97% of migratory fish species threatened with extinction. The decline in these species is attributed to overexploitation and habitat loss due to human activities, among other factors such as climate change, pollution, and invasive species.
Migratory species, crucial for the health of global ecosystems, face unique conservation challenges due to their cross-border travels. The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), a UN biodiversity treaty, has documented these challenges and the stark decline in populations, particularly among fish species. This decline includes notable species such as devil rays and scalloped hammerheads, highlighting the urgent need for international cooperation and action to address the threats they face.
The report emphasizes the impact of human activities, including unsustainable fishing practices and habitat destruction, on the decline of migratory species. It also stresses the importance of protecting vital breeding, feeding, and stopover sites to safeguard these species’ future. Notably, the report points out the significant role of climate change not only as a direct threat but as an amplifier of other threats to migratory species. The changing climate affects migratory patterns, can skew sex ratios in species like sea turtles, and even reduce foraging time for others, such as African Wild Dogs.
This UN report serves as a wake-up call to the global community, outlining priority recommendations for conservation actions. These include tackling illegal and unsustainable exploitation of migratory species, protecting important habitats, and addressing climate change and pollution threats. The findings and recommendations of this report are crucial for guiding policy actions to ensure the continued survival and thriving of migratory species across the globe.