|
|
The Russian Far East Rivers and Wetlands ecoregion is one of the most diverse freshwater ecoregions in Eurasia, particularly in fish species. Ancient river systems also are found in this region. Headwater streams, floodplain lakes, deltas, and highland lakes are among the diversity of habitats represented in this ecoregion. This freshwater area supports a high fish diversity and globally outstanding populations of salmon and sturgeon.
The Amur River supports more fish species than any other Russian river, with more than 120 species. This mighty river flows for nearly 1,900 miles (3,000 km) from the mountains and down through forests before pouring into the Tartar Strait. Two of its largest tributaries are the Ussuri and Sungari Rivers, which flow north through China and Mongolia. This ecoregion also contains some of Asia’s most extensive wetlands. Migratory fish include Amur, Sakhalin, and kaluga sturgeons and chum and pink salmon. Mollusks and crustaceans are especially diverse. Of the mollusks, about a dozen species face extinction. This ecoregion also contains some of Asia’s most extensive temperate reedbeds and wet meadows. These wetlands support a high number of bird species, including endangered cranes, along with some endemic and rare plants.
Fishing pressure in parts of this ecoregion is intense, including poaching of salmon on breeding grounds for roe and driftnetting for salmon in international waters. Oil and gas drilling threaten fish habitat through dumping of drilling mud and the potential of oil spills. The pollution of waterways by heavy metals due to mining is a serious problem in the region. Logging of surrounding forests also places stress on the rivers and streams of this region, as streamside trees are removed and soil erosion and sedimentation increase.
|
