Let's Safeguard Migratory Fish

Photo Credit: Annie Spratt

Bagrus bayad, Brycinus nurse, Clarotes laticeps,

Hydrocynus forskali, Protopterus anZillins and Tilapia zilli. These are not the usual nicknames of some people, but the Baptismal names of some Migratory Fish Species swimming in the Black Volta Basin of Ghana.
Yes, these species and their senior or junior sisters, brothers and cousins periodically migrate to:
• fulfil their life cycle
• access feeding areas
• Increase success of reproduction
• Boost survival of fish stocks in river systems

While most living organisms walk, trek, crawl, float, fly, hop, jump, and match others swim in seasonal waters, rivers and streams.
According to the 2020 Living Planet Index (LPI) for Migratory Freshwater Fish, there is in 76% average decline in these fishes migrating. And some of the fish species are endangered along their migratory routes. There are indications that the migratory fish that visits the 1,352 km Black Volta river, has declined.

Researchers say habitat degradation including farming along River banks, use of chemicals to fish, alterations of rivers,  exploitation as well as overfishing accounts for over 9% of the threats to these species.

Today as we mark the World Fish Migration Day, we need to create awareness of bout the importance of migratory fish and free-flowing rivers.
Thus in CONNECTING FISH, RIVERS AND PEOPLE, we need to reflect on creating actions that create barriers that disrupt the migration of the fishes.
Since millions of people depend on migratory fishes for food d, medicine, sport, and research among others, efforts to support efforts to make these fishes migrate to replenish, feed, and complete their life cycle.
Besides being a crucial link in the food chain, migratory fish helps sustain a healthy and productive river system. And they are ecologically, culturally, economically and recreationally important.
Collectively let's safeguard free flowing rivers and create or restore swim ways for migratory fish.

I wish you a wonderful weekend.
Greetings.
©KYB ✍🏿21/05/22

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