Recent studies conducted by a team of scientists from the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)—one of the world’s largest research institutions focused on promoting and coordinating scientific research across all fields—indicate that the most endangered reef fish species suffer from a lack of interest both within the scientific community and among the general public.
The findings were published on July 17 in the journal “Science Advances,” showcasing an analysis of human interest in 2,408 species of marine reef fish. The results show that scientists primarily focus on species with high commercial value, often overlooking their ecological importance, including endangered fish species.
The public, on the other hand, is mostly interested in fish with appealing appearances, such as the lionfish (Pterois volitans) and the mandarinfish (Synchiropus splendidus).
The study highlights that particularly overlooked are families such as the Blenniidae and Gobiidae, which, despite their small size, play a crucial role in coral reef ecosystems.
Using data gathered from scientific databases, social media, and Wikipedia page views of individual fish species, the research team concluded that although Wikipedia pages for these 2,408 species accumulated over 17 million views in total, more than half of these views were for just 7% of the species, and 20% were for only 1%. Furthermore, nearly half of all scientific publications concerned only 1% of the studied species.
These findings reveal a significant problem concerning the level of interest in all fish species, including those that are endangered. The scientists are sounding the alarm, emphasizing the absolute necessity to stimulate interest among scientists and the community in the diversity of the entire marine ecosystem for its protection.
They recommend launching information campaigns aimed at increasing public awareness about endangered and overlooked reef fish species and call for the creation of research programs that include all ecosystem components. This would allow for the development of conservation strategies that are not dictated by commercial motives.
About the author
Grzegorz Bubak
My fascination with marine aquariums began over two decades ago when I stumbled upon an article about this topic in a magazine. Since then, the underwater world has become my obsession and passion, shaping my everyday life. I started my adventure with marine aquariums with soft corals, which were my first step into this fascinating world. Over time, captivated by the diversity and beauty of SPS corals, I decided to focus on their cultivation, which continues to fill me with constant wonder.
Thanks to my experience and passion for marine aquariums, I am ready to share my knowledge and expertise with other enthusiasts in this field. I am happy to be part of the Reef Pedia community, which serves as an invaluable source of information for all marine aquarium lovers.