Skip to content

Conservation

Fish in troubled waters with 30 species endangered

by Paromita Pain 16 Dec 2010
Fish in troubled waters with 30 species endangered

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the world's oldest and largest global environmental network that helps the world find pragmatic solutions to the most pressing environment and development challenges of the day has put 30 species of Indian fish on the endangered list. In an assessment of Indian freshwater fish after 13 years the organization says preliminary findings have revealed that the Western Ghats, which face massive amounts of deforestation, mining and the building of dams, might have lost at least 30 species over the past half a century.

The IUCN uses various criteria for assessment. Its Red List, with its nine classifications, is a comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of animal and plant groups.

Dying species

The rich waters of the Western Indian Ocean boast some of the world's most vibrant coastal cultures and biodiversity including coral reefs, globally important populations of whales, sea turtles, sharks, dolphins, and highly productive fisheries say scientists from the organization. Their assessments which also take into account fish, plants, insects and mollusks have also put 15 species on the critically endangered list. Studies from the Tamil Nadu (southern) region of the Western Ghats have also proved that one type of fish hasn't been sighted in the area for the last 20 years.

What does this mean for the fishermen and fishing communities who primarily depend on fishing for a livelihood? The Indian government could use the data to start educating fishermen about more sustainable methods of fishing. Rarely are they taught about protecting the waters which forms the very basis of their lives.

Affected marine life

The full report which will be released at the end of December should have valuable information for the government should it be keen on conservation.

Affected fish populations also affect other life in the rivers. Experts are also concerned about the river dolphin whose numbers have been steadily decreasing over the years. River dolphins survive on fish. Compared to the ocean dolphins these creatures have badly developed eyesight since river waters are muddier than the sea waters and are also less active. Unless action is taken and taken now, the future of Indian freshwater life is obviously in danger.


Trending Eco-Friendly Clothing

Love My Planet Women's Relaxed Fit Hoodie
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Love My Planet Women's Relaxed Fit Hoodie
Love My Planet women's eco-friendly relaxed fit hoodieSize Guide Centimeters 8 10 12 14 16 18 Bust 84 88 92 97 103 108 Waist 66 70 75 80 85 91 Hips 91 95 99 104 109 116 Bust: Measure around the fullest part of...
£38.00
£38.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Penguins Hate Push-Ups Men's Pullover Hoodie
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Penguins Hate Push-Ups Men's Pullover Hoodie
Penguins Hate Push-Ups men's eco-friendly pullover HoodieSize Guide Centimeters XS S M L XL XXL Height 171 175 179 183 189 195 Chest 86 93 99 104 116 129 Waist 71 76 81 89 99 112 Chest: Measure all round your chest just below...
£38.00
£38.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Lightning Bolt Kids Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Notify me
Lightning Bolt Kids Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Lightning Bolt kids eco-friendly long sleeve t-shirtSize Guide Centimeters 3-4yrs 5-6yrs 7-8yrs 9-10yrs 11-12yrs Height 98 112 125 136 147 Chest 60 66 70 75 84 Chest: Measure all around your chest just below your armpits. Height: Your natural height If you fall between...
£18.00
£18.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Notify me
Union Jack Tote Bag
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Union Jack Tote Bag
Union Jack eco-friendly colour tote bagProduct Specification Organic Cotton Tote Bag. Twill Weave (170gsm). 37 x 42 cm (7cm gusset.) Made in India / Designed on the Isle of Wight. Wash Cool, Hang Dry.
£16.00
£16.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Prev Post
Next Post

Eco-Friendly Shop

Women's Clothing

Eco-Friendly Clothing for Women Our online shop offers a wide range of sustainable women’s clothing products, including t-shirts, hoodies, vests, sweaters, shorts, and...
Shop Now

Men's Clothing

Eco-Friendly Clothing for Men Our online shop offers a wide range of sustainable men’s clothing products, including t-shirts, hoodies, vests, sweaters, shorts, and...
Shop Now

Kids Clothing

Eco-Friendly Clothes for Kids Our online shop offers a wide range of sustainable kids clothing products, including t-shirts, hoodies and jumpers. Our garments...
Shop Now
Someone recently bought a
[time] ago, from [location]

Thanks for subscribing!

This email has been registered!

Shop the look

Choose Options

Earth Times
Sign up for exclusive updates, new arrivals & insider only discounts

Recently Viewed

Edit Option
Back In Stock Notification
this is just a warning
Login
Shopping Cart
0 items

Before you leave...

Take 20% off your first order

20% off

Enter the code below at checkout to get 20% off your first order

CODESALE20

Continue Shopping