Nearly one‐third of extant freshwater fish species, which account for over 50% of global fish diversity, are at risk of extinction. Despite their crucial ecological and socioeconomic importance, the extinction of freshwater fishes remains under‐researched on a global scale. This is a comprehensive assessment of taxonomic, spatial, and temporal patterns of freshwater fish extinctions while identifying key extinction drivers and driver synergies. Using data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, 89 extinct freshwater fish and 11 extinct in the wild were analyzed. Taxonomic statistical analysis revealed the disproportionate impact on Cyprinidae, Leuciscidae, and Salmonidae. Estimated globally for the period 1851–2016, the modern extinction rate for freshwater fishes stands at 33.47 extinctions per million species‐years (E/MSY), more than 100 times greater than the natural background extinction rate of 0.33 E/MSY. Extinction rates, when calculated per continent using the number of extinct species and the total number of species per continent, indicated that North America has the highest extinction rate (225.60 E/MSY), followed by Europe (220.26 E/MSY) and Asia (34.62 E/MSY). Although Africa is less affected, it still shows a 42‐fold increase over the background rate. Bayesian modeling, reflecting cumulative species extinctions, indicated a strong association of North America and Asia with species loss (37 and 34 extinctions, respectively), a moderate one for Europe (20 extinctions) and a weak association of Africa (eight extinctions). Natural system modification, pollution, and invasive species emerged as the primary extinction drivers, often acting synergistically. Temporal trends indicate an acceleration in extinctions since the mid‐20th century. This study highlights that, despite recent increases in conservation efforts, freshwater fish extinctions continue to rise, indicating the urgent need for integrated conservation strategies. Without immediate action, many species currently at risk may soon follow the same trajectory of extinction as the 100 extinct freshwater fishes of this study.

Human-induced biological introductions pose a major threat to global biodiversity, and this is especially frequent in the eastern Mediterranean region, which is a globally important biodiversity hotspot area of high conservation value. To predict at which level introduced species in this region might become invasive under current and projected climate conditions, 232 non-native aquatic organisms were screened using the Aquatic Species Invasiveness Screening Kit. Based on receiver operative characteristic curve analysis, thresholds were identified to distinguish between low, medium and high risk species. The “top invasive” (very high risk) species identified were: brown bullhead Ameiurus nebulosus, blue crab Callinectes sapidus, gibel carp Carassius gibelio, Philippine catfish Clarias batrachus, Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis, bluespotted cornetfish Fistularia commersonii, silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, silver-cheeked toadfish Lagocephalus sceleratus, half-smooth golden pufferfish Lagocephalus spadiceus, Suez pufferfish Lagocephalus suezensis, signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus, fathead minnow Pimephales promelas, channeled applesnail Pomacea canaliculata, red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii, devil firefish Pterois miles and European catfish Silurus glanis. The risk of being invasive of more than half of the screened species increased after taking global warming predictions into account, and several species considered to be globally invasive (cf. high risk) were classified as posing only a medium risk for the eastern Mediterranean region. Region-specific risk screenings, as implemented in this study, are therefore essential for setting priorities in preventative management for the conservation of key biodiversity hotspots and the optimal allocation of resources in view of full risk assessment for the species identified as (very) high risk.