Ukraine’s freshwater ecosystems are increasingly under pressure, with several fish species now at risk of disappearing completely. Scientists warn that pollution, overfishing, and the construction of hydraulic barriers such as dams are severely disrupting natural river systems and threatening biodiversity.
According to ichthyologists, the most vulnerable group includes sturgeons, which struggle to migrate between the sea and traditional spawning grounds due to fragmented river networks. Despite conservation efforts and artificial reproduction programs, their natural populations remain critically low. Other species, such as the European shovelnose sturgeon (ship sturgeon), have not been observed in the wild for a long time, indicating a severe ecological decline.
Large freshwater species like catfish are also facing pressure, primarily due to overfishing. Fishermen and spearfishing practices often target the largest individuals, preventing populations from reaching reproductive maturity. At the same time, species such as the barbel, white-finned gudgeon, and certain loaches are highly sensitive to water quality and oxygen levels, making them particularly vulnerable in polluted or heavily regulated rivers.
Experts emphasize that while some species still survive in specific regions, such as mountain rivers in the Carpathians, overall biodiversity in Ukraine’s rivers continues to decline. The situation reflects a broader global trend of freshwater ecosystem degradation, driven by human activity and environmental change.
Location
Carpathians
