EWA has chosen to become involved in this project because we believe in the relevance this study has not only on the largest fish on the planet but all fish in nearly every fresh and saltwater habitat on earth.

Fish on the list of particular interest to anglers would be the Hucho Taimen of Mongolia, Russia and Slovenia, the Nile Perch of Egypt and Uganda and the Golden Mahseer of India and Nepal.

Below, you will find the mission statement of the study as well as recent press and other pertinent information. Our hope is for you to join us in this effort, please contact us with any questions or contact the project directly though their site by clicking the emblem below.

Thank you for your patronage and support.

Dave McCoy and EWA Staff


National Geographic Society
MegaFishes Project
Dr. Zeb Hogan




The National Geographic Society, collaborating with the World Wildlife Fund, has launched the MegaFishes Project, an ambitious four-year effort to protect the Earth’s largest freshwater fish, while raising awareness about the ecological status of the world’s rivers. Earlier in 2007, ecologist Zeb Hogan launched the Megafishes Project to document the 20 plus species of freshwater fish at least 6.5 feet (2 meters) in length or 220 pounds (100 kilograms) in weight.

The MegaFishes Project represents the first worldwide attempt to document and protect the planet’s freshwater giants. The unprecedented use of freshwaters has led to declining populations of many aquatic species, particularly “megafishes” which are disappearing at an alarming rate. It is now a race against the clock to protect and document the aquatic life in these water systems. If we continue to do nothing, vulnerable species will become scarce, the opportunity for study may soon be lost, and the fish and people that depend on the water will face increased adversity. The project is designed not only to raise awareness of the animals' plight, but to highlight the increasingly dire situation of the world's water sources.

It is now a race against the clock to protect and document the aquatic life in these water systems. If we continue to do nothing, vulnerable species will become scarce, the opportunity for study may soon be lost, and the fish and people that depend on the water will face increased adversity. Your support can make a critical difference.

THREATS FACED
Why are big fish facing critical threats? A number of factors from over-fishing and dams to pollution and habitat destruction contribute to the dangers faced by different varieties of fish. As a result, many of these fish are on the path toward extinction, a warning sign of severe problems confronting river ecosystems.

The largest migratory fish are usually the first to disappear. Despite its importance, this situation has been largely ignored by the global community and virtually overlooked by scientific study.

LOCATIONS AND SCOPE OF WORK
The MegaFishes Project will span six continents and entail expeditions to study 14 of the most diverse freshwater systems—ecological treasures including World Heritage Sites and United Nations Environment Program Biodiversity Hotspots. Research is planned for Asia in 2008; Australia, Africa, and Europe in 2009 and 2010; and the Americas in 2009. Project leader Dr. Zeb Hogan will be working with a network of more than a hundred scientists in 17 countries to accomplish the project goals:

• Conservation assessments of all species of giant freshwater fish, including gathering information about the life history, population status, geographic range, and threats associated with each species.
• Identification of the world’s largest freshwater fish.
• Local, national, and global awareness-raising and education about the importance of freshwater conservation, including increased visibility for freshwater science.