2024 Report: Mekong's Forgotten Fishes

Mekong's Forgotten Fishes, a new report published by WWF and Global Water Center, in tandem with 24 other local, regional and global Mekong-based organizations, details the extraordinary variety of fish species in the Mekong river. These dazzlingly diverse fishes are critical for the health, food security and livelihoods of tens of millions people across the region as well as the overall health of the river system, but they are under ever increasing pressure with one in five already threatened with extinction.

Access the full report on the WWF website

What is the Global Water Center?

The University of Nevada, Reno's Global Water Center (GWC) is a response to societal demands for creative, integrative approaches in solving complex issues related to water resources. The Center's mission is to translate science into actionable solutions accessible to stakeholders; develop a multidisciplinary, cooperative effort to solve water issues; and create novel, "high tech" tools (drones and models) to predict future conditions of water resources.

The Global Water Center trains up-and-coming researchers to tackle 21st-century water issues and provides a collaborative space and structure for experts currently infield. Projects range from climate change to invasive species, dams to drought, pollution to pathogens and well beyond.

The goal is real impact.

Tackling hard-hitting, complex projects with teams of experts using proven data-driven methods and working with private industry, the Global Water Center engineers win-win, sustainable solutions for the environment.

Recent news from the Global Water Center

Sudeep Chandra holds a finger up in one hand while holding a microphone in another looking toward the right of the frame.

Global Water Center makes local and international impacts

Water research on campus buoyed by the center is far-reaching

Two men hold a fish with dense foliage behind them. The fish has a hooked jaw, a light-colored belly and a darker back.

Feared Extinct, the "Mekong Ghost" Fish Reappears

Rediscovery of the elusive giant salmon carp is a call to action for the protection of the Mekong River and its remarkable biodiversity

Lake Tahoe with snow on the lakeshore.

Changing winters are impacting Lake Tahoe and other freshwater ecosystems

Recent research sheds light on how freshwaters are threatened by climate change and impacts to winter

Meet the Director

Dr. Sudeep Chandra, Director of the Global Water Center, brings together researchers from around the world to work together on conservation projects. His own work ranges from researching nonnative species and the effects of land use to developing conservation plans and sustainable public policy.

Meet the GWC team
Sudeep Chandra on a boat with colleague conducting research