Migratory Diadromous Fishes:
A recent study has raised concerns about the effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in safeguarding the habitats of rare migratory fish species.
- The study found that a significant portion of these protected areas do not align with the core habitats of the target species, raising questions about the efficacy of current conservation efforts.
- The study examined 11 rare and data-poor diadromous fish species. These species migrate between saltwater and freshwater environments.
- The researchers found that only 55% of the modelled core habitats for these species overlapped with the designated MPAs.
- And, of these protected areas, only 50% had measures in place for the protection of the fish.
- Less than 30% of endangered species, such as the Mediterranean twaite shad, had their core habitats within the MPAs.
- Species like European eel and European smelt, which had nearly 70% of their core habitats within MPAs.
Diadromous fishes:
- These are a group of fish that migrate between freshwater and saltwater environments throughout their lives.
- This unique life cycle allows them to take advantage of the different resources available in each habitat.
