THE documentary ‘Love Flows’ was launched this week and captures the stories of the events from World Fish Migration Day 2018 through the narration of Joshua Royte, a conservation scientist for The Nature Conservancy.
The film highlights our evolved understanding of the impacts of dams and the people who are working to make positive differences for rivers. This documentary aims to give these fish and the rivers they depend on a voice by showcasing the celebrations, knowledge, and great visions we have for our rivers. The documentary is directed by award winning director Francisco Campos-Lopez. We hope this movie inspires even more people to take part in the next World Fish Migration Day on May 16, 2020. Background Once upon a time, massive fish migrations were observed every year around the globe. Civilizations and wildlife revolved around these natural wonders and depended on them for survival. For millennia, we have relied on rivers as a source of food, recreation and energy. Unfortunately, many of these natural, free-flowing rivers have deteriorated as generations pass. ‘Love Flows’ brings to life the challenges that voiceless rivers and fishes face against threats but more importantly, what we are doing to help improve the situation. It captures the growing passion of thousands of people from across the globe that join together to celebrate their love and work for rivers and fishes.
One of the biggest threats to healthy rivers are dams. Dams block the flow of rivers, the passage of fish, and interrupt the health and ecology of our freshwater systems. These barriers have massive effects on the survival of migratory fish but the tide is turning, and we are starting to bring these rivers and fish populations back. Now, citizens around the world are becoming activated to help restore these rivers that are the life sources of our planet. On April 21, 2018, the World Fish Migration Foundation organised its third biennial World Fish Migration Day. On this day, over 3000 organisations around the world joined together in solidarity to celebrate migratory fish and healthy rivers, educate others about them and embark on the journey to save them. World Fish Migration Day sheds light on the importance of free-flowing rivers for local cultures, livelihoods and happiness and how we can all work together to make a better future for our rivers and places around them.
