Freshwater biodiversity is declining dramatically, and the current
biodiversity crisis requires defining bold goals and mobilizing
substantial resources to meet the challenges. While the reasons are
varied, both research and conservation of freshwater biodiversity lag
far behind efforts in the terrestrial and marine realms. We identify
fifteen pressing global needs to support informed global freshwater
biodiversity stewardship. The proposed agenda aims to advance freshwater
biodiversity research globally as a critical step in improving
coordinated action towards its sustainable management and conservation.