Freshwaters in the Public Eye: Understanding the Role of Images and Media in Aquatic Conservation

Monroe, Jeremy; Baxter, Colden V.; Olden, Julian D.; Angermeier, Paul L.

doi:10.1577/1548-8446-34.12.581

Cited by 43 publications

(55 citation statements)

References 10 publications

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“…The situation facing freshwater megafauna in the Indomalaya and Palearctic realms, and those of mega‐fishes globally, is particularly dire due to overexploitation and dam construction. It is often suggested that freshwater species suffer a lack of focus for conservation, as they are largely out of sight and out of mind (Darwall et al, ; Ford et al, ; Monroe, Baxter, Olden, & Angermeier, ). Despite this, our work shows that even the best known of our freshwater species are in danger of being lost.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The global decline of freshwater megafauna

Zarfl

Bremerich

et al. 2019

Global Change Biology

204

130

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Freshwater ecosystems are among the most diverse and dynamic ecosystems on Earth. At the same time, they are among the most threatened ecosystems but remain underrepresented in biodiversity research and conservation efforts. The rate of decline of vertebrate populations is much higher in freshwaters than in terrestrial or marine realms. Freshwater megafauna (i.e., freshwater animals that can reach a body mass ≥30 kg) are intrinsically prone to extinction due to their large body size, complex habitat requirements and slow life‐history strategies such as long life span and late maturity. However, population trends and distribution changes of freshwater megafauna, at continental or global scales, remain unclear. In the present study, we compiled population data of 126 freshwater megafauna species globally from the Living Planet Database and available literature, and distribution data of 44 species inhabiting Europe and the United States from literature and databases of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and NatureServe. We quantified changes in population abundance and distribution range of freshwater megafauna species. Globally, freshwater megafauna populations declined by 88% from 1970 to 2012, with the highest declines in the Indomalaya and Palearctic realms (−99% and −97%, respectively). Among taxonomic groups, mega‐fishes exhibited the greatest global decline (−94%). In addition, freshwater megafauna experienced major range contractions. For example, distribution ranges of 42% of all freshwater megafauna species in Europe contracted by more than 40% of historical areas. We highlight the various sources of uncertainty in tracking changes in populations and distributions of freshwater megafauna, such as the lack of monitoring data and taxonomic and spatial biases. The detected trends emphasize the critical plight of freshwater megafauna globally and highlight the broader need for concerted, targeted and timely conservation of freshwater biodiversity.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The global decline of freshwater megafauna

Zarfl

Bremerich

et al. 2019

Global Change Biology

204

130

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“…In essence, an aquarium reveals the often hidden aquatic world to the general public in much the same way as films and other media do (Monroe et al . ; Cooke et al . ).…”

Section: The Aquarium Hobby As a Mechanism For Increasing Conservatiomentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The attractiveness of aquarium landscapes also furnishes a basis by which aquaria can be used by aquarium hobbyist associations and other private and public entities to increase public conservation awareness (Taylor 1993;Cainey et al 2012;Reid et al 2013;Schwan et al 2014). In essence, an aquarium reveals the often hidden aquatic world to the general public in much the same way as films and other media do (Monroe et al 2009;Cooke et al 2013). As an example, the BAA invited the University of Barcelona to set up an information panel and several aquaria with native and introduced fish species found in Spanish rivers to increase public awareness for the conservation of native fish species during the Barcelona Aquarium Meeting in the Mascota Festival and Expo (formerly SIZOO), which attracts more than 26 300 visitors (www.salonmascota.com).…”

Section: Turning the Tide In The Relationship Between Aquarium Hobbyimentioning

confidence: 99%

The aquarium hobby: can sinners become saints in freshwater fish conservation?

et al. 2014

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The aquarium hobby is popular worldwide, but it has positives and negatives for freshwater fish conservation. The most damaging impacts of the aquarium trade on ecosystems are overharvesting and invasive species. Consequently, many conservationists and academics have the perception that aquarium hobbyists are generally harmful to species conservation. Without overlooking these major drawbacks of the aquarium hobby, we aim to establish common ground between hobbyists and conservationists by correcting some misconceptions and showing the benefits of serious aquarium hobbyists in the conservation of freshwater fishes and their habitats. Our overview illustrates that the aquarium hobby is not insensitive to the pernicious effects of this enduring hobby on natural systems and that serious aquarists and their associations can directly assist and fund scientific research, increase conservation awareness among the general public and even participate in ex situ and in situ conservation programmes for native fish species at national or international levels. Whilst the relationship between conservationists and the aquarium hobby has often been antagonistic in recent years, ultimately most biologists and aquarists share a love of the species they study or maintain, and this common interest could be the basis for a more positive and productive relationship.

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“…Although video media can be an effective and exciting mode of communication in fisheries and aquatic sciences, there are many caveats that should be considered before academics and agencies consider including video media productions in their broader impacts and associated education and outreach campaigns (Monroe et al. ; Struthers et al. ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%