New roadmap sets the course for urgent conservation of freshwater fishes in Southeast Asia

A photograph of a purple, blue and black iridescent fish. Betta cracens is a peat swamp forest freshwater fish species from Indonesia, identified to have high potential for successful ex situ conservation Freshwater conservation Southeast Asia.

Major report published today by the IUCN Asian Species Action Partnership (ASAP), Mandai Nature and SHOAL.

Today marks the release of The Strategic Framework to Accelerate Urgent Conservation Action for ASAP Freshwater Fishes in Southeast Asia, a new roadmap which sets the course for the urgent conservation of freshwater fishes in Southeast Asia.

The IUCN has identified 90 freshwater fishes on the brink of extinction in the region, across 11 countries including Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam.

The aim of this new roadmap is to see all 90 Critically Endangered ASAP freshwater fishes receiving active conservation efforts by 2030.

“Southeast Asia is the world’s hotspot for highly threatened species. This framework provides the direction and clarity required to focus and catalyse action to bring the most threatened freshwater fishes back from the brink of extinction.”

Michael Baltzer, Executive Director, SHOAL

Freshwater habitats are home to 51% of all known fish species, yet one third of freshwater fish species are threatened with extinction – making them one of the most highly threatened taxa globally.

Southeast Asia alone is home to 30% of global freshwater fish species, making up 15 of the 16 fish species declared extinct in 2020.

“The lack of targeted conservation action requires a ramp up of support and funding for these overlooked species.”

Dr Sonja Luz, CEO, Mandai Nature

The framework identifies rapid loss and degradation of natural habitats as the primary threat to nearly all Critically Endangered freshwater fishes. Many of these habitats are shared across borders, highlighting the vital need for cross-country cooperation to achieve meaningful conservation impact.

“Collective efforts across Southeast Asia are urgently needed and are crucial to halt declines immediately.”

Nerissa Chao, Director, IUCN SSC ASAP

The Strategic Framework to Accelerate Urgent Conservation Action for ASAP Freshwater Fishes in Southeast Asia is a collaboration between SHOAL, the IUCN Asian Species Action Partnership (ASAP), and Mandai Nature.

The Strategic Framework

The front cover of A Strategic Framework to accelerate urgent conservation action for ASAP Freshwater Fishes in Southeast Asia. Blue with lots a fish at the top and logos at the bottom.