Migration is a widespread but highly diverse component of many animal life histories. Fish migrate throughout the world's oceans, within lakes and rivers, and between the two realms, transporting matter, energy, and other species (e.g., microbes) across boundaries. Migration is therefore a process responsible for myriad ecosystem services. Many human populations depend on the presence of predictable migrations of fish for their subsistence and livelihoods. Although much research has focused on fish migration, many questions remain in our rapidly changing world. We assembled a Lennox et al. Fish Migration Questions diverse team of fundamental and applied scientists who study fish migrations in marine and freshwater environments to identify pressing unanswered questions. Our exercise revealed questions within themes related to understanding the migrating individual's internal state, navigational mechanisms, locomotor capabilities, external drivers of migration, the threats confronting migratory fish including climate change, and the role of migration. In addition, we identified key requirements for aquatic animal management, restoration, policy, and governance. Lessons revealed included the difficulties in generalizing among species and populations, and in understanding the levels of connectivity facilitated by migrating fishes. We conclude by identifying priority research needed for assuring a sustainable future for migratory fishes.

Widespread declines in migratory fish highlight the need for increased global efforts to raise awareness of their value and abate threats they face. World Fish Migration Day (WFMD), coordinated by the World Fish Migration Foundation, is a biennial global celebration of open rivers and migratory fish achieved through locally organized events with the common theme of connecting fish, rivers, and people. Since 2014, over 1,200 events have been organized in 80 different countries across all inhabited continents. Here we provide an overview of the WFMD social movement, highlighting its ability to raise awareness surrounding the plight of migratory fish. We provide pertinent case studies to illustrate the creative events held throughout the world intended to build the public and political will to enable protection and restoration of migratory fish populations. From a coordination perspective, there are several key principles that underlay the success of WFMD, including taking an optimistic approach, identifying change-makers in the community, and carefully timing the growth of the movement. By reflecting on the approach and growth of WFMD, we feel this perspective piece will prove useful to other groups and organizations considering using the power of social movements to achieve common goals related to environmental conservation.

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