The European eel is critically endangered, with populations collapsed to 5% of 1960s levels. Barriers to migration, pollution, and overfishing create severe welfare and conservation concerns.
European eel welfare is compromised across their life history: glass eels impacted by Anguillicola crassus parasite infestations, yellow eels accumulating environmental pollutants, silver eels blocked by barriers during downstream migration to the sea. Barrier strikes injure and kill eels attempting to pass through turbines. Fish passes designed for salmonids rarely function for eels. Providing eel-specific passage facilities, removing obsolete barriers, and eliminating Anguillicola transfer from aquaculture would all substantially improve eel welfare and population viability.