Freshwaters make up only 0.8% of earth’s surface, but have about 10% of all species, 33% of vertebrates and 50% of fish species. They provide half of all wild fish eaten by people and are particularly important for the very poor. Yet, they are the most threatened system on earth with 29% of all extinctions. Damaging invasive species, such as carp, have contributed to 40% of freshwater extinctions, but they can be eradicated, after which even species on the edge of extinction can recover. Yet, no organization is focused on eradicating freshwater invasives to prevent extinctions. This powerful conservation tool is only being haphazardly applied. We are launching Freshwater Life to fill this gap and save hundreds of freshwater species from extinction.