2024 Endangered and Protected Fish Species: How You Can Help

Protecting endangered fish species is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and the health of aquatic ecosystems. There are 10 protected fish species around the world that are considered endangered or critically endangered under international and national conservation frameworks, such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in the United States, and others. Here are ten critically endangered fish species as of 2024, along with information on their habitats, threats, and conservation efforts.

Freshwater Endangered Fish Species

1. Chinese Sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis)

   • Status: Critically Endangered
   • Found in: Yangtze River, China
   • Threats: Overfishing, dam construction, habitat degradation.
   • Conservation Efforts: China has implemented fishing bans and is working on habitat restoration to support the recovery of the Chinese sturgeon.

2. Devils Hole Pupfish (Cyprinodon diabolis)

   • Status: Critically Endangered
   • Found in: Devils Hole, Nevada, USA
   • Threats: Limited habitat, groundwater depletion.
   • Conservation Efforts: Protective measures include habitat preservation and monitoring of water levels to ensure the survival of this unique species. Learn about fishing in Nevada, USA

3. Mekong Giant Catfish (Pangasianodon gigas)

   • Status: Critically Endangered
   • Found in: Mekong River Basin, Southeast Asia
   • Threats: Overfishing, habitat loss due to dam construction. 

   • Conservation Efforts: Recent sightings in Cambodia have renewed hopes for the species' survival, highlighting the importance of ongoing conservation programs.

     

4. Humpback Chub (Gila cypha)

   • Status: Endangered
   • Found in: Colorado River, USA
   • Threats: Altered river flows, competition with invasive species.
   • Conservation Efforts: Efforts include habitat restoration and management of river flows to support the species' recovery.

5. European Eel (Anguilla anguilla)

   • Status: Critically Endangered
   • Found in: Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia
   • Threats: Overfishing, barriers to migration, pollution.
   • Conservation Efforts: Measures such as fishing quotas and habitat restoration are in place to aid in the recovery of European eel populations.
      

Marine Endangered Fish Species

1. Smalltooth Sawfish (Pristis pectinata)

   • Status: Critically Endangered
   • Found in: Coastal waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico
   • Threats: Habitat loss, bycatch in fishing gear.
   • Conservation Efforts: Protected areas and fishing gear modifications are being implemented to reduce bycatch and support population recovery. Find more tips for ethical tuna fishing.

2. Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus)

   • Status: Endangered
   • Found in: Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea
   • Threats: Overfishing, illegal trade.
   • Conservation Efforts: International fishing quotas and monitoring efforts are in place to manage and conserve Atlantic bluefin tuna populations.

3. Nassau Grouper (Epinephelus striatus)

   • Status: Critically Endangered
   • Found in: Caribbean Sea
   • Threats: Overfishing, habitat destruction.
   • Conservation Efforts: Seasonal fishing bans during spawning periods and marine protected areas have been established to aid in the species' recovery.

4. Coelacanth (Latimeria spp.)

   • Status: Critically Endangered
   • Found in: Coastal waters near the Comoros Islands and Indonesia
   • Threats: Limited habitat, bycatch.
   • Conservation Efforts: International protection and monitoring efforts are in place to safeguard the remaining populations of this ancient fish.

5. Green Sawfish (Pristis zijsron)

   • Status: Critically Endangered
   • Found in: Indo-Pacific coastal regions
   • Threats: Overfishing, habitat loss.
   • Conservation Efforts: Protective legislation and habitat conservation initiatives are being implemented to support the recovery of green sawfish populations.

Key Protections for Endangered Fish

1. International Treaties:

   • CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora): Regulates international trade of listed species, including many endangered fish.

2. National Laws:

   • Endangered Species Act (USA): Protects species such as the pallid sturgeon and short nose sturgeon.
   • Wildlife Protection Acts (various countries): Safeguards habitats and imposes fishing restrictions.

3. Fisheries Management:

   • Sustainable Fishing Practices: Implements quotas, seasonal closures, and gear restrictions to reduce overfishing and bycatch. Learn about fishing techniques that help sustainability.

How You Can Help Protect Endangered Fish Species

• Support Sustainable Fishing: Choose seafood from sustainable sources to minimize overfishing.
• Advocate for Conservation Policies: Support laws and initiatives aimed at protecting fish habitats.
• Reduce Pollution: Avoid plastics and chemicals that harm aquatic ecosystems.
  Participate in Habitat Restoration: Engage in local conservation efforts like river clean-ups.
• Educate Others: Raise awareness about endangered species and conservation. 

By taking these steps, you contribute to the health and diversity of aquatic ecosystems worldwide.