In heartening news for aquatic conservation, scientists are spotlighting a promising pathway to safeguard some of our planet's most remarkable travelers—migratory freshwater fish that journey across international borders to complete their life cycles.

A team of researchers led by Professor Fengzhi He from the Chinese Academy of Sciences has identified a significant opportunity within the United Nations' Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS). This global environmental treaty, which brings together 133 parties including 132 countries and the European Union, has been successfully protecting over 1,100 migratory species since 1983—and now there's potential to extend its reach much further.

The research, published in Nature Reviews Biodiversity, reveals that while the CMS has been tremendously effective for birds, bats, and whales, freshwater fish represent an untapped frontier for conservation success. Currently, only 23 freshwater fish species benefit from CMS protections, with sturgeons and paddlefishes making up most of that number. This presents not a setback, but rather an exciting opportunity for expansion.

"There is tremendous potential here," explains Professor Sonja Jähnig, Acting Director at the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries. The framework for effective international cooperation already exists—it simply needs to be applied more broadly to freshwater fish species.

The timing couldn't be better. The CMS Conference of Parties (COP15) will convene in Campo Grande, Brazil, in March 2026, offering a golden opportunity to strengthen protections for migratory fish species. This gathering of international leaders and conservation experts provides the perfect platform to propose adding more freshwater fish to the CMS Appendices, potentially transforming their conservation outlook.

The researchers emphasize that coordinated international action can make all the difference. By working together across borders—particularly in biodiversity hotspots like the Mekong and Amazon river basins—countries can ensure these amazing fish can reach their spawning and feeding grounds unimpeded.

What makes this moment particularly hopeful is that the solution doesn't require creating entirely new frameworks or treaties. The CMS already has a proven track record of success. The infrastructure for international cooperation is in place; now it's about expanding its application to include more of these incredible aquatic voyagers.

The study also highlights the importance of continuing research into freshwater fish life histories. As scientists gather more data about migration patterns and species distribution across borders, they'll be better equipped to advocate for specific protections at international forums.

This research represents more than just identifying a gap—it's a roadmap for action. With the upcoming COP15 conference and growing scientific understanding of migratory freshwater fish, there's genuine reason for optimism about the future of these species. The combination of existing international cooperation mechanisms, increasing awareness, and dedicated researchers working together across borders creates a powerful foundation for positive change.

As we look toward the Brazil conference and beyond, the conservation community has a clear opportunity to make a meaningful difference for these remarkable creatures that connect our world's waterways.