5 ways you can help look after freshwater ecosystems on your doorstep (and beyond)
If there’s one thing we can relate to here at SHOAL, it’s getting excited about freshwater. Been there, got the Save Denise’s Friends t-shirt. But what next? Here are 5 ways you can help look after freshwater ecosystems on your doorstep (and beyond):
1. Support projects in your local area
Identify your local conservation organisations and explore the opportunities to support their work. Many conservation organisations have opportunities for volunteers to get involved.
If there’s no wetland or freshwater species projects active in your area, maybe you could even start one yourself.
SHOAL works directly with a number of projects around the world. Whilst some are implemented by conservation professionals in the field, others rely on engagement from individuals around the world.
2. Make some noise for freshwater
Learned about a cool conservation project? Read some important freshwater news? Snapped a stunning freshwater photo? Get on social media and share!
It’s vital to keep freshwater visible and part of the conservation conversation. Use #SOShoal to share with other members of the SHOAL network and tag us on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram so we can share the freshwater love on social media too.
3. Donate
SHOAL directs funding towards the conservation projects that are needed most. Donate to contribute towards the work of our wonderful partner organisations in the field, allowing them to make a difference to the survival of some of the most threatened freshwater species.
Our SOS: Support Our Shoal campaign is designed to bridge the gap between the home aquarium community and impactful conservation of the world’s most threatened freshwater fish. Find out more about the campaign – and how you can donate – here→
4. Reduce your own water use
Reducing your own water use in the house and in the garden can help reduce the strain on our streams and rivers.
There are loads of great tips for saving water, like turning off the tap when brushing your teeth, washing fruit and veg in a bowl rather than under a running tap, or using recycled rainwater to water plants.
5. Practise your freshwater hobby sustainably (and encourage others to too!)
Whether you’re an aquarist or angler, researching the most sustainable way to conduct your hobby is hugely impactful. It not only helps to protect wild populations of freshwater species, but ensures the long-term viability of the hobby.
Join an association or expert network to get involved with other like-minded people and coordinate efforts to safeguard freshwater species or habitats.
BONUS: Join the SHOAL
Stay in the loop with SHOAL and our work to conserve freshwater species through action-driven conservation: subscribe to our newsletter The Stream to get all the latest freshwater news straight to your inbox.
The scale of the challenges facing freshwater is huge, but together we can make a difference.
