Several fish species are dangerously close to extinction in 2026, including Atlantic cod, bluefin tuna, sharks, monkfish, and Atlantic halibut, thanks mostly to overfishing and unsustainable harvesting.
Is Cod nearly extinct?
Yes, Atlantic cod in the Newfoundland region is projected to effectively go extinct within 20 years, despite our best management efforts.
Back in the early 1990s, the Northwest Atlantic cod population crashed hard after decades of aggressive overfishing. Recovery’s been painfully slow, even with strict catch limits in place. Scientists keep warning that fishing pressure still outpaces how fast cod can reproduce, pushing this population toward functional extinction by roughly 2046. If you eat seafood, stick with MSC-certified cod or switch to Pacific cod—it’s in better shape right now.
Will shrimp go extinct?
No, but nearly 28% of the world’s freshwater shrimp species are threatened with extinction according to the 2024 IUCN Red List.
Habitat destruction from deforestation, chemical runoff from farms, and overharvesting for aquariums and dinner plates are taking a toll. Species tied to mangroves, like certain Macrobrachium shrimp, face the biggest risks. When you buy shrimp, look for ASC or Naturland certification to support sustainable fisheries and protect wild populations.
Are goldfish going extinct?
No, the common goldfish (Carassius auratus) is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN in 2026.
These guys breed like crazy in captivity and often end up in waters where they don’t belong, becoming invasive and throwing local ecosystems out of whack. They’re not native outside East Asia, so releasing them into the wild is a terrible idea. If you can’t keep your goldfish, find it a responsible new home or—if that’s not possible—handle the situation humanely. For example, understanding how long fish can live in poor conditions highlights why proper care is crucial.
What animal just went extinct 2021?
The ivory-billed woodpecker was one of 22 species declared extinct in the U.S. in 2021, following a review by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
That year, 22 species vanished from the U.S. landscape—11 birds, 8 freshwater mussels, 2 fish, and 1 bat—making it one of the worst single-year extinction events in American history. The ivory-billed woodpecker hadn’t been reliably spotted since the 1930s, and despite massive search efforts, no proof of survival turned up. Now conservationists are doubling down on habitat protection and tougher environmental rules to keep more species from disappearing. This includes protecting aquatic habitats, as even a fish's ability to survive can be impacted by injury, such as whether a fish can survive with one fin. Furthermore, the health of fish populations is directly tied to water quality, which is why knowing how long fish can soak in water during transport or handling is important for their survival. Proper nutrition also plays a role in species resilience, though it's important to know if you can feed saltwater fish tropical fish food, as improper diet can weaken fish.
