Monday 7 October (Brussels, Belgium) – This week, the Sustainable Eel Group (SEG) released recommendations to strengthen European Union policy for the recovery of the European eel stock. Whilst the Eel Regulation 2007 has made significant impacts, not only in unblocking inland waterways, but in bringing social, commercial, and environmental interests into dialogue with each other to address the far-reaching needs of the species’ decline, this new guidance highlights that its implementation remains insufficient, and that recovery will take longer than necessary even with further action.
Willem Dekker, the leading scientist specialised in eel conservation and now the lead author of the ‘SEG Recommendations for the Protection of the Eel,’ emphasizes the need for targeted, region-specific management strategies to address the challenges facing the European eel. “To truly protect the European eel, we need region-specific, national, and river-specific management plans, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all international policy,” says Willem Dekker. “Only by addressing all human impacts, not just fisheries, can we create a comprehensive strategy that ensures the long-term survival of this species.”
SEG underscores the importance of the agreed, minimal protection for enabling recovery – maintaining, and even strengthening, existing measures to meet that goal. To enhance progress, the group also recommends improving governance through the creation of an international advisory committee to provide feedback on national Eel Management Plans. Andrew Kerr, conservationist and chairman of SEG’s board explains: “An international advisory committee would ensure better monitoring and adaptation of measures in response to changing conditions; and that good management reaps rewards.”
SEG further emphasises that recovery is a multi-decade effort requiring consistent, long-term commitment and patience, and calls on policymakers to fulfil the persist in their efforts to safeguard this iconic species for future generations.