Where are our fish?

What's happening to all our fish? If you are a local angler, or know one, you may have heard them grumble about an overall decline in the fish population. Fishes that once were abundant in North American streams, lakes, and rivers are now disappearing, with nearly 40% of all species in jeopardy according to a detailed assessment of the conservation status of freshwater fishes in the last 20 years headed by the US Geological Survey, and including Canadian and Mexican scientists participation. The report goes on to show that 61 fish species are presumed extinct, and 280 species are classed as endangered. In addition there are 190 species considered threatened, and 230 species are listed as vulnerable to extinction.

So what's causing this? Some experts have blamed the decline as effects of habitat loss and degradation, dwindling ranges, and the introduction of invasive species. Another interesting theory has also placed the blame on power plants and other coolant hungry industries. It has been estimated that the intakes of these coolant systems has lead to the destruction of billions of fish and fish eggs.

Please visit the following links for more details on our disappearing fish populations:

http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/sep2008/2008-09-09-02.asp
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081018/ap_on_sc/dead_fish