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

Eel Fisheries and Management in Flanders, Belgium: Status and Trends

Belpaire, C.G.J. * Institute for Forestry and Game Management, Duboislaan 14, B-1560 Groenendaal-Hoeilaart, Belgium
Goemans, G. Institute for Forestry and Game Management, Duboislaan 14, B-1560 Groenendaal-Hoeilaart, Belgium
Van Thuyne, G. Institute for Forestry and Game Management, Duboislaan 14, B-1560 Groenendaal-Hoeilaart, Belgium
Verreycken, H. Institute for Forestry and Game Management, Duboislaan 14, B-1560 Groenendaal-Hoeilaart, Belgium
Maes, J. Catholic University Leuven, De Beriotstraat 32, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium

Presenter email address: claude.belpaire AT lin.vlaanderen.be

Abstract Text: Flanders is a densely populated, lowland area where natural spreading of eel is limited by water quality restrictions and physical habitat degradation. Results from the Flemish fish monitoring network indicate severely reduced eel (Anguilla anguilla) densities. In 70% of the sites eels are absent. Where eels are present, stock densities are low. Foreign glass eel are restocked in order to enhance local stocks. Annual glass eel quantities entering the river IJzer decreased from about 1000 kg to a few kg. Since the nineties the commercial fisheries on the river Scheldt are recovering. Time series show that the catch of young eel in the estuary remained constant over the years but the catches of larger ones decreased. Since 2002 there is a Flemish catch-and-release obligation set for eel. Results from the Flemish eel contaminants monitoring network showed that a variety of toxic compounds are present in eels. Average PCB levels in eels exceed the national consumption standard in 80% of the localities and are therefore considered as improper for human consumption. Gradual water quality sanitation and habitat restoration will probably enhance environmental conditions for eel in Flanders. However, new plans for building hydropower stations may cause new threats to Flemish eel.