Quantifying Threats to Fish Biodiversity of the South Caspian Basin in Iran
The South Caspian Basin of Iran (SCBI), a vital ecosystem for unique and valuable fish species, is under severe threats due to anthropogenic activities that are rapidly deteriorating its fish biodiversity. The initial step to effectively combat or mitigate threats to biodiversity is to precisely ide...
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MDPI AG
2025-07-01
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| author | Gohar Aghaie Asghar Abdoli Thomas H. White |
| author_facet | Gohar Aghaie Asghar Abdoli Thomas H. White |
| author_sort | Gohar Aghaie |
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| description | The South Caspian Basin of Iran (SCBI), a vital ecosystem for unique and valuable fish species, is under severe threats due to anthropogenic activities that are rapidly deteriorating its fish biodiversity. The initial step to effectively combat or mitigate threats to biodiversity is to precisely identify these threats. While such threats are often categorized qualitatively, there is a lack of a comparative quantitative assessment of their severity. This means that although we may have a general understanding of the threats, we do not have a clear picture of how serious they are relative to one another. This study aimed to quantify and prioritize these threats using a modified quantitative “SWOT” (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis. Twenty multidisciplinary experts identified and evaluated 26 threats, and we used multivariate cluster analysis to categorize them as “High”, “Medium”, and “Low” based on their quantitative contributions to overall threat. Invasive non-native species and global warming emerged as the most significant threats, followed by resource exploitation, habitat destruction, and pollution. We then used this information to develop a “Situation Model” and “Results Chains” to guide responses to the threats. According to the Situation Model, these threats are interconnected, driven by factors such as population growth, unsustainable resource use, and climate change. To address these challenges, we propose the Results Chains, including two strategies focused on scientific research, land-use planning, public awareness, and community engagement. Prioritizing these actions is crucial for conserving the Caspian Sea’s unique fish fauna and ensuring the region’s ecological and economic sustainability. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-e7a01a22408a467493d04fb41cc3d200 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 1424-2818 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
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| spelling | doaj-art-e7a01a22408a467493d04fb41cc3d2002025-08-20T03:08:12ZengMDPI AGDiversity1424-28182025-07-0117748010.3390/d17070480Quantifying Threats to Fish Biodiversity of the South Caspian Basin in IranGohar Aghaie0Asghar Abdoli1Thomas H. White2Department of Biodiversity and Ecosystems Management, Environmental Sciences Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran 1983963113, IranDepartment of Biodiversity and Ecosystems Management, Environmental Sciences Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran 1983963113, IranU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service—Puerto Rican Parrot Recovery Program, Rio Grande, PR 00745, USAThe South Caspian Basin of Iran (SCBI), a vital ecosystem for unique and valuable fish species, is under severe threats due to anthropogenic activities that are rapidly deteriorating its fish biodiversity. The initial step to effectively combat or mitigate threats to biodiversity is to precisely identify these threats. While such threats are often categorized qualitatively, there is a lack of a comparative quantitative assessment of their severity. This means that although we may have a general understanding of the threats, we do not have a clear picture of how serious they are relative to one another. This study aimed to quantify and prioritize these threats using a modified quantitative “SWOT” (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis. Twenty multidisciplinary experts identified and evaluated 26 threats, and we used multivariate cluster analysis to categorize them as “High”, “Medium”, and “Low” based on their quantitative contributions to overall threat. Invasive non-native species and global warming emerged as the most significant threats, followed by resource exploitation, habitat destruction, and pollution. We then used this information to develop a “Situation Model” and “Results Chains” to guide responses to the threats. According to the Situation Model, these threats are interconnected, driven by factors such as population growth, unsustainable resource use, and climate change. To address these challenges, we propose the Results Chains, including two strategies focused on scientific research, land-use planning, public awareness, and community engagement. Prioritizing these actions is crucial for conserving the Caspian Sea’s unique fish fauna and ensuring the region’s ecological and economic sustainability.https://www.mdpi.com/1424-2818/17/7/480Caspian Seasouth basinIranfish speciesthreat quantificationconservation |
| spellingShingle | Gohar Aghaie Asghar Abdoli Thomas H. White Quantifying Threats to Fish Biodiversity of the South Caspian Basin in Iran Diversity Caspian Sea south basin Iran fish species threat quantification conservation |
| title | Quantifying Threats to Fish Biodiversity of the South Caspian Basin in Iran |
| title_full | Quantifying Threats to Fish Biodiversity of the South Caspian Basin in Iran |
| title_fullStr | Quantifying Threats to Fish Biodiversity of the South Caspian Basin in Iran |
| title_full_unstemmed | Quantifying Threats to Fish Biodiversity of the South Caspian Basin in Iran |
| title_short | Quantifying Threats to Fish Biodiversity of the South Caspian Basin in Iran |
| title_sort | quantifying threats to fish biodiversity of the south caspian basin in iran |
| topic | Caspian Sea south basin Iran fish species threat quantification conservation |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/1424-2818/17/7/480 |
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