World Fish Migration Day

Free Flow.
Celebrate existing and renewed free-flowing rivers.

Fishes typically do not receive the attention they deserve. May 25 is World Fish Migration Day. The observation is to raise awareness of the importance of free-flowing rivers and migratory fish. Mass relocation by fish from one area or body of water to another can be called fish migration.  Migratory fishes connect with human and non-human species, lands, and waters. Smaller fish generally have a shorter lifespan. Egg-laying fish live longer than those that give birth. The famous aquarium breed is at opposite ends of the spectrum; Bettas live for over two years, while goldfish live for decades. Fish typically have relatively small brains relative to body size compared with other vertebrates. Fish are facing several threats in our oceans. Among them are Climate change, Overfishing, Habitat loss, and degradation. More research is needed to understand fish migration patterns and how climate change impacts them. There is a need to reduce the impact of human actions on fish migration. Nature and underwater life are under threat like never before.

Fishes typically do not receive the attention
they deserve.

Recall your reaction when someone says, “There’s something fishy about it”. While we understand what it means, the term has arisen from the notion of “as slippery as a fish”. The word “fishy” was believed to be first used in the late 15th century. May 25 is World Fish Migration Day. The observation is to raise awareness of the importance of free-flowing rivers and migratory fish, and the observation is once every two years. It is to bring awareness about it. The initiative of Dutch conservationist Herman Wanningen (World Fish Migration Foundation) resulted in formalising the observation of World Fish Migration Day, which started in 2014. Migratory fishes connect with human and non-human species, lands, and waters. There is a need to reduce the impact of human actions on fish migration. Nature and underwater life are under threat like never before. Living Planet Index indicates that there has been a 76% decline in Migratory Freshwater Fish populations since 1970.

There are ~ 35 thousand species of fish. The ecosystem is so vast that new species are being discovered and added to the numbers. Fish belong to three main types: jawless fish, cartilaginous fish (sharks & rays), and bony fish (the largest group).  Smaller fish generally have a shorter lifespan. Egg-laying fish live longer than those that give birth. Bettas and Goldfish, the famous aquarium breed, are at opposite ends of the spectrum. Bettas, on average, live little more than two years, while Goldfish may live for decades. Fish typically have relatively small brains relative to body size compared with other vertebrates. There are exceptions where some fish have relatively large brains. Fish can remember the competitive ability of others and modify their behaviour. 

Mass relocation by fish from one area or body of water to another can be called fish migration. Fishes travel through rivers to fulfil their life cycles, some swimming over 10,000 kilometres. Many migrate to reproduce up and down rivers, between rivers and oceans, and others across the oceans. There are so many exciting things about migrating fish. All combinations are seen, from the sea into fresh water to spawn, some from freshwater to sea to span. The patterns of migration are of great interest to the fishing industry. Humans have exploited the vulnerability of the fish while they are migrating.    

The statistics are shocking, but we know that migratory fish populations can bounce back.
We need to act now before populations get to the point where they are too low to recover. Now is the time to value migratory fish and the rivers that sustain them.   
Herman Wanningen, Founder of the World Fish Migration Foundation

~154 million tonnes is the overall consumption footprint for seafood. China, the European Union, Japan, Indonesia and the United States are major fish consumers in the order listed. Per capita, fish consumption in India is 6.3 kilograms. With 60% are fish eaters.   

The goal of achieving conservation is a challenge. Often, it appears not attainable.
Raising awareness is the essential first step toward real change.

Fish are facing several threats in our oceans. Among them are Climate change, Overfishing, Habitat loss, and degradation. More research is needed to understand fish migration patterns and how climate change impacts them. Migratory fish species are endangered or threatened. Humans create barriers to the free flow of water, which prevent the usual migratory routes of fish.

Connecting Fish, Rivers, and People.
We need to work to have free-flowing rivers
full of fish!

Toons: Advika and Anusha
Logs: M Sai Baba
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