Wildlife Welfare

Wild Eel Conservation and Welfare

European eels are critically endangered and face welfare challenges throughout their complex lifecycle. Conservation and welfare interventions are urgently needed.

Key Facts

European eel populations have declined by over 95% since the 1980s
Eels face barriers to migration including dams and weirs throughout river systems
Commercial eel fishing continues despite critically endangered status
Eels are capable of experiencing pain and stress, with welfare implications for fishing
Habitat restoration including barrier removal is the most important conservation intervention

Welfare Considerations

European eel welfare is affected by multiple stressors including migration barriers, fishing, and habitat loss. Conservation efforts that restore river connectivity protect both individual welfare and population viability.

What You Can Do

Support river barrier removal programmes that restore eel migration routes
Avoid consuming European eel products given their critically endangered status
Report eel sightings to river monitoring programmes
Advocate for stronger legal protection and fishing restrictions for European eels