Inland Fisheries Research Group
Inland fish species have diverse life cycle requirements, with many depending on access to specific habitats at different stages of development.
Some species, known as diadromous fish, migrate between freshwater and marine environments to complete their life cycles. Anadromous fish, such as salmon, hatch in freshwater rivers, migrate to the ocean to grow and mature, then return to their natal rivers to spawn. Conversely, catadromous species like eels begin life in the sea, move into freshwater systems for most of their development, and later return to marine environments to reproduce.
Regardless of their migration patterns, all inland fish depend on access to critical habitats for feeding, spawning, and nursery development. Freshwater species rely on rivers, lakes, and floodplains for food and shelter, while migratory fish require unrestricted passage between freshwater and marine systems. However, human-made barriers—such as dams, weirs, and culverts—threaten these migrations, leading to population declines and disruptions in aquatic ecosystems.
Our work focuses on maintaining habitat connectivity and implementing fish passage solutions to support the long-term survival and sustainability of inland fish populations. Healthy inland fisheries strengthen food security, sustain livelihoods, and preserve biodiversity. Ensuring that fish can access diverse river and floodplain habitats—rich in food, suitable spawning grounds, and safe nursery conditions—is essential for maintaining ecosystem health. Special consideration must be given to species that rely on seasonal migrations within rivers or between river and floodplain systems to complete their life cycles.
Without proper habitat access, inland fisheries face significant risks, endangering the food security, economic stability, and biodiversity benefits they provide to communities worldwide.