A Closer Look Into a River That Feeds 60 Million People
March 22, 2017 - The
Mekong River is a lifeline that supports 1,000 different species of fish and feeds 60 million people throughout Southeast Asia. It has more giant fish than any other river on Earth, including the endemic Mekong giant catfish. However, the Mekong is also under threat by human development and environmental changes.
National Geographic fellow
Zeb Hogan is leading a a team of scientists on a new, five-year research project to investigate the well-being of this river ecosystem. Called "The Wonders of the Mekong," the project's goal is to raise awareness of the Mekong and help develop a sustainable future in the region.
Video: Stefan Lovgren and Zeb Hogan.
Read "Can the Amazon of Southeast Asia Be Saved?"Learn more about Zeb Hogan.
The Mekong River is home to 1,000 different species of fish, including the the Mekong giant catfish.
The river also feeds 60 million people throughout Southeast Asia.
However, the Mekong is also under threat by human development and environmental changes.
National Geographic fellow Zeb Hogan is leading a new, five-year research project to investigate the well-being of this river ecosystem.
Hogan and other researchers will travel along the Mekong, working with local people to understand how economic and political pressures affect the wildlife and livelihoods that depend on the river.
The team hopes a greater understanding of the Mekong ecosystem will help build a sustainable future in the region.
