Originally published August 2 2005
Catfish numbers are declining in the U.S., research finds
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Since 1990, the numbers of catfish caught in the U.S. have been in decline, prompting scientists to do new research in an attempt to find the cause.
For example, University of Wisconsin biologist Zeb Hogan was trekking across Mongolia as part of an 18-month scientific effort to study the world's largest fish when he received an e-mail describing a newly caught catfish the size of a grizzly bear, the Christian Science Monitor reported Monday.
At six feet long and 636 pounds, the Mekong giant catfish caught in a remote Thailand village was a contender to become the world's largest known freshwater fish.
That's precisely what Hogan determined: it was the biggest living freshwater fish on record -- until it died.
Hogan, director of the Great Fishes Project, routinely travels across six continents trying to determine why such giant fish are disappearing.
Hogan told the Monitor fish such as the Mekong giant -- considered "critically endangered" -- are biologically important in understanding our planet's ecosystem.
The Great Fishes Project studies Earth's largest freshwater fish -- those that grow to at least 220 pounds or more and are longer than 6.5 feet.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml