04/08/2026
One of the planet’s largest animal migrations is rapidly breaking down.
A new global report found that migratory freshwater fish populations have declined by about 81% since 1970. These species rely on long, connected rivers, but dams, pollution, and habitat changes are disrupting the routes they depend on to survive.
Researchers say these fish are among the most threatened species worldwide and play a critical role in keeping rivers healthy and supporting food systems, meaning their decline could have wide-reaching impacts.
