A new report by WWF on freshwater fish says thousands of species are now heading towards extinction, with freshwater biodiversity declining at twice the rate of that in our oceans or forests.

Indeed, 80 species of freshwater fish have already been declared extinct, including 16 in 2020 alone. Meanwhile, populations of migratory freshwater fish have fallen by 76% since 1970 and mega-fish by a catastrophic 94%.

The wealth of freshwater species is essential to the health of the world’s rivers, lakes, and wetlands – and supports societies and economies across the globe. Freshwater fisheries are the main source of animal protein for 200 million people and provide livelihoods for 60 million people.