International eel symposium, 2003 - Quebec August 11, 2003
Oral Presentation

A Conceptual Framework for Management and Restoration of the Declining European Eel Stock

Dekker, W.* Netherlands Institute for Fisheries Research RIVO, P.O.Box 68, 1970 AB IJmuiden, the Netherlands.

Presenter email address: Willem AT RIVO.DLO.NL

Abstract Text: The stock of the European eel (Anguilla anguilla) is in a critical state. A prolonged downward trend in landings since 1960 suggests a steady decline of the continental stock, while incoming recruitment fell to record low levels in the 1980s over almost all of Europe. Although the effect of oceanic factors cannot be ruled out, continental processes depleting the spawning stock are the more likely cause. An innovative management scheme preserving adequate spawner production is urgently required. Setting objectives and post-evaluating effects typically constitute the roles for the global level, while implementation in specific management measures and monitoring of the stock must be performed locally, coordinated over all management levels. Eels are long-lived animals, and research and management are slow processes. Analysis of the population dynamics indicates the stock has been in slow transition in the past two decades, from a stable and high abundance towards a secondary stable state, near extinction. It has taken considerable time to recognise the decline; it will take further time to develop and implement an appropriate management framework. The longer we wait, the lower the odds for reversing the downward trends. One must act now!