Glastonbury, England (21 July 2024) – The Somerset Eel Recovery Project is pleased to announce that it has made an appearance on the popular BBC television program, Countryfile. The segment aired on BBC One at 19:00 BST today, showcasing the vital work being undertaken to preserve and restore the eel population in Somerset’s waterways.
The Somerset Eel Recovery Project, an initiative spearheaded by local citizen scientists, dedicated conservationists, and progressive education professionals, has been working tirelessly to address localised concerns with chemical pollution, habitat destruction, and excessive water engineering. The project promises to support in monitoring and ultimately reversing the decline in European eel populations on the Levels, whilst actively contributing to the international effort to further study and preserve this critically endangered species.
Countryfile provided viewers with behind-the-scenes insights into the innovative strategies and hands-on efforts being employed by the Somerset Eel Recovery Project as part of its remit to engage local people with rural and environmental issues. The episode went beyond introducing SERP to highlight its key initiatives, which include:
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Habitat Restoration: Efforts to improve and restore the natural habitats of eels, ensuring they have a safe and suitable environment where they can thrive.
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Eel Monitoring: Efforts to track the movements of eels in and around the Levels using eDNA, and provide evidence-based research around barrier effects.
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Barrier Removal: Campaigns to remove or modify barriers that impede eel migration, or to introduce analogue fish pass alternatives, with a view to supporting the eel on its migration into and out of European freshwater.
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Eels in the Classroom: An educational programme which trains primary and secondary school children in the art and science of eel husbandry, while simultaneously contributing to pan-European monitoring and restocking efforts.
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Community Engagement: Community events designed to raise awareness about the importance of eel conservation and encourage public participation.
‘European eel recovery issues and strategies can be complex, but’, founding member Vanessa Becker-Hughes insists, ‘working together on common goals gives us the best chance to succeed’. There is scope for bringing organisations as wide ranging as SHOAL, the Sustainable Eel Group, and the BBC into a conversation around the eel’s future. One which involves commercial, cultural, and socio-economic stakeholders, as well as those directly involved in scientific research and conservation.
The broadcast included interviews with key project members including Vanessa, and the former school teacher and SERP education lead, Hannah Strode, as well as stunning footage of Somerset’s rivers and wetlands. As such, it offered a glimpse into the unique challenges and rewards of wildlife conservation on a local level.
Catch up on the series on BBC iPlayer to learn more about the Somerset Eel Recovery Project and the inspiring work being done to safeguard the future of the European eel.
About Somerset Eel Recovery Project:
The Somerset Eel Recovery Project (SERP) is a community partnership committed to reversing the decline of European eel in and around the Somerset Levels. Supported by experts in science and engineering, nonetheless rooted in localised concerns for educational outreach and improved access to nature, it looks to contribute to international-scale problem solving by taking small, achievable steps towards ecosystem change.