In August 2004 a new IUCN SSC/WI Freshwater Fish Specialist Group was initiated to be managed jointly by IUCN/SSC and Wetlands International. Prof. Gordon Reid, Executive Director of Chester Zoo, UK was appointed as the Specialist Group Chair. The group's inaugural meeting was held in 2005 in Chester, UK. Amongst the participants were experts from various organisations and regions including South America, North America, Central America, Africa, South Asia, Oceania, Europe, and Southeast Asia. During this meeting, the group drew up its vision and mission as follows:
Vision:
Freshwater fishes sustained in their natural environments.
Mission:
To achieve conservation and sustainable use of freshwater fishes and their habitats through:
- generating and disseminating sound scientific knowledge;
- creating widespread awareness of their values; and
- influencing decision-making processes at all levels.
At this early stage the management structure of the group and its priorities are still being finalised and membership has been limited to a small core group. Links and modes of interaction with the two other freshwater fish Specialist Groups (Salmon and Sturgeons) are to be discussed shortly.
Global Chair is Gordon McGregor Reid.
Programme Officer is Suzanne Turnock.
Latest FFSG News
Upcoming event: 'Towards an 'exotic fish' free Periyar Tiger Reserve' on 29th and 30th April 2013
Volunteers needed to participate in the first ever campaign to eradicate exotic fish species in the Periyar Tiger Reserve, India. The mass removal of the African catfish is being carried out with help from the public.
The African catfish is an invasive species and populations are increasing like never before. This is threatening eight endemic and endangered species. Urgent action is needed before we lose these species forever!
Can you help? More information about the event can be found here.
