The Megafishes Project Megafishes Logo

The first worldwide attempt to document and protect the planet’s freshwater giants.

The Megafishes Project 172cm Giant Carp, Tonle Sap, Cambodia
About The Project

PROJECT LOCATIONS

Megafishes Project Map

The National Geographic Society, collaborating with the World Wildlife Fund, has launched the MegaFishes Project, an ambitious four-year effort to protect the Earth’s largest freshwater fish, while raising awareness about the ecological status of the world’s rivers.

THE ULTIMATE CONSERVATION CHALLENGE

The MegaFishes Project represents the first worldwide attempt to document and protect the planet’s freshwater giants. The unprecedented use of freshwaters has led to declining populations of many aquatic species, particularly “megafishes” which are disappearing at an alarming rate. It is now a race against the clock to protect and document the aquatic life in these water systems. If we continue to do nothing, vulnerable species will become scarce, the opportunity for study may soon be lost, and the fish and people that depend on the water will face increased adversity. Your support can make a critical difference.

The National Geographic Society, collaborating with the World Wildlife Fund, is launching the MegaFishes Project, an ambitious four-year effort to protect the Earth’s largest freshwater fish, while raising awareness about the ecological status of the world’s rivers.

It is now a race against the clock to protect and document the aquatic life in these water systems. If we continue to do nothing, vulnerable species will become scarce, the opportunity for study may soon be lost, and the fish and people that depend on the water will face increased adversity. Your support can make a critical difference.

THREATS FACED
Why are big fish facing critical threats? A number of factors from over-fishing and dams to pollution and habitat destruction contribute to the dangers faced by different varieties of fish. As a result, many of these fish are on the path toward extinction, a warning sign of severe problems confronting river ecosystems.

The largest migratory fish are usually the first to disappear. Despite its importance, this situation has been largely ignored by the global community and virtually overlooked by scientific study.

LOCATIONS AND SCOPE OF WORK
The MegaFishes Project will span six continents and entail expeditions to study 14 of the most diverse freshwater systems—ecological treasures including World Heritage Sites and United Nations Environment Program Biodiversity Hotspots. Research is planned for Asia in 2007; Australia, Africa, and Europe in 2008; and the Americas in 2009. Project leader Dr. Zeb Hogan will be working with a network of more than a hundred scientists in 17
countries to accomplish the project goals:

  • Conservation assessments of all species of giant freshwater fish, including gathering information about the life history, population status, geographic range, and threats associated with each species.
  • Identification of the world’s largest freshwater fish.
  • Local, national, and global awareness-raising and education about the importance of freshwater conservation, including increased visibility for freshwater science.