Eels

[Kevin Daly]

Another forum I post on (no not that one a pred fishing one) currently has a thread running about the plight of the European Eel. I personally believe the poor old eel is knocking on the door of extinction unless some dramatic action is taken. Now don’t get me wrong I hate catching the bloody things and just dont get the guys that do but their survival is intricately woven into the resolution of the otter problem. Before I get completely boring and heap facts figures statistics and dammed lies on you all, let’s see if I get any response.

 

[David Gauntlett]

I agree with you about the sad state of the European eel population, how perilously close these fish are to extinction Kevin. However, I rather think anglers in general either don't know that fact, or don't accept it...or in some cases don't care either way. People are still catching eels in a lot of rivers, which convinces some that this is just another scare story, and I can understand that...but once the scientific facts and figures are laid out, it is a very disturbing read. So...as far as I am concerned, fire away mate...in my opinion raising the levels of public awareness regarding the true situation these fascinating fish find themselves in is vital.

Cheers, Dave.

 

[Robert Beal]

Apparently the Sargasso Sea is full of them as they are not migrating back here , think I heard that its something to do with a parasite in their swim bladder but may be wrong , I dont mind catching eels over a 1lb and have mates that do fish for them but to think oh where are the eels the otters have nothing to eat so will eat barbel is a bit rough on the eel

 

[Dean Aston]

French eel conservation work viewed by Gloucestershire team

Posted: 21 Dec 2012 03:11 PM PST

eels are slipping out of life in the River Severn it seems.
The once common eel are dwindling in numbers and
Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust is trying to do something
about it.


Dr Gordon McGlone, chief executive officer, flew out to
the Selune Valley in Normandy on Tuesday with a party
of rivers and fisheries experts to look at a major river
conservation programme.


The party of 14 will meet French colleagues and officials
who are tackling artificial obstacles on the Selune River
including two dams that are being removed as part of French
government action


He said: "Gloucestershire will lose its elvers and silver eels
forever unless the UK and European countries take rapid action.
This once common fish is now in such decline that commercial
fisheries are in deep crisis."
The National Anguilla Club (NAC) - The Eel Specialist - Eel Fishing

 

[Philip Webb]

But then stangely enough after not catching an eel out of the Thames for years I had a half dozen of various sizes in a few weeks.
Phil.W

 

[Dean Aston]

Grand Passage for Elvers

Posted: 25 Feb 2013 01:54 PM PST

Aquatic Control Engineering has been working with
The Canal & River Trust, Thames River Trust and The
Environment Agency to secure the future of the European
Eel by installing elver passes along the Grand Union Canal.















European eels have a fascinating life cycle, spawned as
larvae in the Sargasso Sea near Bermuda before travelling
with the Gulf Stream to Europe, developing into glass eels.


Upon reaching coastal areas they migrate up rivers and streams,
such as the River Brent, which forms a large section of the
Grand Union Canal, turning into elver (baby eels) as they hit
freshwater.
However, their migration into the upstream waters and ponds
where they mature has many obstacles. Weirs, which help to
prevent flooding, make it difficult for the elvers to complete
their journey.


The first of four elver passes is at Boston Manor on the Grand
Union Canal.
This sandwich pass has long bristles and a very gentle water flow,
which allows the elver to crawl along the walls of the weir and into
the next stretch of river.
The elvers mimic wet grass being pressed against the wall,
stopping hungry herons snatching them from the water.

Monitoring of the success of these passes will allow Aquatic
Control Engineering to update the design of future elver passes.


Leela O’Dea, environment manager at the Canal & River Trust says:
"I am really excited to be involved in the design and installation of
elver passes, these are amazing animals with an unequalled journey,
it is a testament to the natural environment and those working in it
that such strong partnerships can be developed to bring about
important changes within the river systems."
The National Anguilla Club (NAC) - The Eel Specialist - Eel Fishing