BANGKOK: One-fifth of fish species in the Mekong river face the threat of ext­inction, according to a new report from a coalition of regional and international environmental groups.

The Mekong — among the world’s most biodiverse rivers, surpassed only by the Amazon and the Congo — is home to some 1,148 recognised spe­cies of fish, with millions of people relying on its waters for their incomes.

But it faces a multitude of threats, according to environmentalists, including dam-building, sand mining, poorly managed fisheries, habitat loss and the introduction of non-native species.

The report said 19 per cent of fish species in the river are seriously threatened by the changes, highlighting how depleted fish populations will affect millions whose livelihoods rely on the river.

“The alarming decline in fish populations in the Mekong is an urgent wake-up call for action,” said Lan Mercado, WWF Asia-Pacific Regional Director.

“We must act now to reverse this disastrous trend because the communities and countries of the Mekong cannot afford to lose them.”

Published in Dawn, March 4th, 2024