Wildlife Welfare

Wild Eel Conservation and Welfare

European eel populations have collapsed by over 95% since the 1970s due to barriers, pollution, and overfishing, raising combined conservation and welfare concerns.

Key Facts

European eels migrate from European rivers to the Sargasso Sea to spawn
River barriers prevent juvenile eels from reaching freshwater habitats
Eel passes at barriers restore access but are often ineffective for small eels
Commercial fishing of eels is now restricted in many European countries
The eel's complex life history makes population management extremely challenging

Welfare Considerations

Eels face welfare challenges from physical barriers that prevent migration, environmental degradation of their freshwater habitats, and commercial fishing. Their population collapse threatens the species while individual eels face suffering from unsuccessful migration attempts at barriers.

What You Can Do

Support eel conservation organisations working on river barrier removal
Avoid eating eel products given the species' critically endangered status
Advocate for effective eel passes on all barriers to migratory routes