Wildlife

European Eel Crisis Conservation and Welfare

European eels are critically endangered due to habitat loss, barriers and overfishing, with welfare implications across their life cycle.

Key Facts

European eel populations have declined by over 95% since the 1980s
Eels are catadromous, migrating from freshwater rivers to the Sargasso Sea to breed
Weirs, dams and water abstraction block migration and fragment freshwater habitat
The glass eel fishery, though regulated, continues to pressure an already critically depleted stock
Eels show evidence of pain response and complex behaviour suggesting sentience

Welfare Considerations

European eels face welfare challenges throughout their life cycle including predation, migration barriers, fishery bycatch and habitat degradation. The collapse of populations means millions of eels fail to complete their migration and die before reproducing. Restoring eel passage and reducing mortality at all life stages are urgent priorities.

What You Can Do

Support Eel Conservation Trust campaigns for eel passes and habitat restoration
Advocate for the closure of glass eel fisheries to allow population recovery
Report eel sightings and migration barriers to your local river authority
Avoid consuming European eel products given the critical conservation status