If you have ever wondered why we need a World Fish Migration Day, here is the reason: "Many migratory fish species are critically endangered or threatened. The main causes are man-made barriers, weirs and sluices, which disrupt the natural flow of rivers and prevent their usual migratory routes. Many fish need to migrate to reproduce, feed and complete their life cycles. Migratory fish are a crucial link in the food chain and play an important role in creating healthy and productive river systems. Furthermore, they provide an important food supply and livelihood for millions of people around the world. They are ecologically, culturally, economically, and recreationally important".

In 2020 World Fish Migration Day created more awareness for open rivers and migratory fish: 72 countries, more than 1,500 organizations and over 120 million people were engaged through digital events, contests, news and social media.

The 2020 edition was also about dam removals and fish restockings, like the one carried out in MEASURES at Isaccea by the “Danube Delta” National Institute for Research and Development (DDNI), releasing 700 Russian Sturgeon.

Click here to read the full Evaluation Report of 2020

The next edition will be held next year on 21st May 2022, framed by the theme: Open swimways full of fish!