New roadmap sets the course for urgent conservation of freshwater fishes in Southeast Asia
© Wentian Shi
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.
SHOAL-ASAP Freshwater Fish Conservation Grant
In tandem with the report, SHOAL and ASAP are launching the SHOAL-ASAP Grant for Freshwater Fishes. The grant will fund the implementation and recommendations outlined in The Strategic Framework to Accelerate Urgent Conservation Action for ASAP Freshwater Fishes in Southeast Asia. Donors interested in helping to make a difference can also contribute to this important cause.
Open calls for proposals start on Monday 10th July 2023. Find out more here
“We are excited to be launching a new dedicated grant programme targeting conservation action for Critically Endangered freshwater fishes in Southeast Asia.”
The Webinar
An exciting webinar celebrates launch of The Strategic Framework to Accelerate Urgent Conservation Action for ASAP Freshwater Fishes in Southeast Asia. Join key voices in freshwater conservation, on Thursday 20th July at 6am BST.
“Securing a Future for Freshwater Fishes in Southeast Asia” will feature conservation practioners and researchers from SHOAL, Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, and PROGRES.
The speakers will share the breadth of their work with freshwater fish in Southeast Asia, and discuss what conservation action is needed for freshwater fish populations to thrive in the region.
Save the date and register for the webinar.
Speakers
Mike Baltzer
Executive Director, SHOAL
Taking action for Southeast Asia’s most threatened freshwater fish species
Dr. Tan Heok Hui
Ichthyologist, Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, National University of Singapore
Discovery of Freshwater Fishes in Southeast Asia – a Personal Perspective
Sheherazade
Co-executive director, PROGRES
Tiny fish of Sulawesi and the big journey of galvanizing local actions to conserve them
