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

Interstate Resource Management and Assessment of American Eel in the US

Lee, Laura M.* Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, c/o Rhode Island Division of Fish & Wildlife, Marine Fisheries, 3 Fort Wetherill Road, Jamestown, RI 02835, USA, llee@asmfc.org
Weeder, J. Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Fisheries Service, Matapeake Work Center, 301 Marine Academy Drive, Stevensville, MD 21666, USA, jweeder@dnr.state.md.us.

Presenter email address: llee AT asmfc.org

Abstract Text: The American eel is an important resource for commercial and recreational fisheries, tribal communities, and the ecosystem in which it resides. As such, evidence suggesting a recent decline in segments of the population has raised concern among fishermen, resource managers, and scientists. In 1999, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission adopted a Fishery Management Plan for American Eel to protect and restore the species. However, the lack of adequate and/or complete data available on eel fisheries and biology makes effective management difficult. This plan recognizes the need for additional information and so, in addition to regulations the plan requires states to participate in a comprehensive monitoring program. The monitoring program specifies reporting requirements for fisheries as well as protocol for the mandated young-of-year recruitment survey. The monitoring specifications are intended to improve understanding of the eel resource and facilitate the management process. The information provided can be incorporated into a quantitative assessment of the population when a sufficient time series is available. Management that applies the precautionary principle will ensure that the fishery and resource are operating within safe biological limits. Application of the precautionary approach is especially important in the absence of data necessary for a reliable stock assessment.