European eel populations have collapsed catastrophically. As a potentially sentient species, their welfare merits consideration alongside urgent conservation action.
Eels represent both a severe conservation crisis and a significant welfare concern for a species whose sentience is underappreciated. Turbine passage causes mechanical injury and death. Trapping and handling cause stress responses. The welfare of individual eels in the context of a collapsing population is inextricable from conservation concerns. Moratoriums on eel fishing and turbine screening requirements address both concerns simultaneously.