Wildlife

European Eel Migration and Welfare Crisis

European eels are critically endangered and face welfare challenges throughout their complex life cycle including barriers, poaching and climate change.

Key Facts

European eel population declined over 90% since the 1980s
Eels migrate from rivers across Atlantic Ocean to spawn in Sargasso Sea
Glass eel trafficking is a major illegal trade threatening recovery
Hydropower turbines kill migrating silver eels in large numbers
Climate change may have altered ocean circulation affecting larval recruitment

Welfare Considerations

Turbine mortality represents direct welfare harm at industrial scale. Eels passing through hydropower turbines face blade strikes, pressure trauma and injuries. Eel passes and turbine shutdowns during migration periods reduce but cannot eliminate this welfare harm.

What You Can Do

Support organisations advocating for eel passage at hydropower installations
Avoid eating European eel given its critically endangered status
Report suspected glass eel trafficking to Environment Agency
Support research into eel population recovery and migration ecology