Fishes in a changing world: learning from the past to promote sustainability of fish populations

Abstract

Populations of fishes provide valuable services for billions of people, but face diverse and interacting threats that jeopardize their sustainability. Human population growth and intensifying resource use for food, water, energy and goods are compromising fish populations through a variety of mechanisms, including overfishing, habitat degradation and declines in water quality. The important challenges raised by these issues have been recognized and have led to considerable advances over past decades in managing and mitigating threats to fishes worldwide. In this review, we identify the major threats faced by fish populations alongside recent advances that are helping to address these issues. There are very significant efforts worldwide directed towards ensuring a sustainable future for the world's fishes and fisheries and those who rely on them. Although considerable challenges remain, by drawing attention to successful mitigation of threats to fish and fisheries we hope to provide the encouragement and direction that will allow these challenges to be overcome in the future.

Understanding and managing fish populations: keeping the toolbox fit for purpose

“…In recent years, standardised protocols initiated through the European Union Water Framework Directive (E.C., ) have facilitated Europe‐wide assessments of fish community structure. Such international standardisation is essential when assessing anthropogenic effects on fish (Gordon et al, ) and we recommend that efforts are made to make national datasets available using standardised metadata and biodiversity information, ideally via open sharing platforms ( e.g . http://www.freshwaterplatform.eu).…”

“…Approximately 30% of fish species have been overexploited (FAO, ), representing significant losses to biodiversity, ecosystem services and socioeconomic contributions (Worm et al, ). In light of the increasing challenges presented by climate change and other natural and anthropogenic stressors (Gordon et al, ), an improved understanding of fish populations is critical to facilitate effective management and conservation initiatives. In July 2017, The Fisheries Society of the British Isles held its 50th Anniversary Symposium at the University of Exeter, UK, under the broad umbrella of ‘Understanding Fish Populations’.…”

Outcomes of in vitro fertilization with frozen‐thawed sperm: An analysis of post‐thaw recovery of sperm, embryogenesis, offspring morphology, and skeletogenesis for a cyprinid fish

“…Unfortunately, our aquatic biodiversity is declining, as more species are becoming threatened or extinct at an alarming rate. 1 This pattern will only increase as we see the results of global climate change in our oceans, rivers, and lakes. While little can be done to bring back lost species, we must work on securing the fate of others that are threatened or endangered, and at minimum have a repository of genetic information (ie, germplasm repository) available as a safeguard; "buying us the time" necessary to improve aquatic habitats, if applicable.…”

“…Unfortunately, our aquatic biodiversity is declining, as more species are becoming threatened or extinct at an alarming rate . This pattern will only increase as we see the results of global climate change in our oceans, rivers, and lakes.…”

Understanding fish populations

“…On a more generic level, the future of fishes and fisheries in the changing oceans was highlighted by Cheung () and addressed by Gordon et al . () in a wide‐ranging discussion paper also including freshwater issues. Valuing and Managing Fish Populations is represented by the discussion paper of Obregón et al .…”