International eel symposium, 2003 - Quebec August 11, 2003
Poster Session

Estimation of the Production and Fishery Mortality of Silver Eels By the Loire River System, France

Feunteun E.P.* Laboratoire de Biologie et d'Environnement Marins, Université de La Rochelle, Avenue Enrico Fermi, 17042 La Rochelle Cédex, France.Eric.feunteun@univ-lr.fr
Boury, P. Laboratoire de Biologie et d'Environnement Marins, Université de La Rochelle, Avenue Enrico Fermi, 17042 La Rochelle Cédex
Robinet, T. Laboratoire de Biologie et d'Environnement Marins, Université de La Rochelle, Avenue Enrico Fermi, 17042 La Rochelle Cédex

Presenter email address: eric.feunteun AT univ-lr.fr

Abstract Text: In order to face the decline of European eels, ACFM has recently recommended to base recovery plan on the enhancement of spawning biomass leaving inland waters. If a range of studies and surveys now enable to assess recruitment in river systems of Europe and Northern Africa, few have focused on the estimation of production of silver eels by small river systems but none were performed in Large systems. In France, a study has been undertaken on one of the Largest West Europe Rivers: The Loire. A cooperation with professional fishermen shows that each year approximately 20 mTons of glass eel and 50 000 female silver eels are caught. The fishery pressure on stocks and escapement of silver eels (maturing spawners) have been assessed by a mark recapture experiment during a two years experiment. In 2001, over 1500 eels were marked and about 14% were recaptured. It was then possible to determine migration periods and relations with environmental parameters. Population characteristics are estimated in order to assess escapement of Silver eels and breeding potential of the river system. These results are presented and discussed to propose an general management plan of the species at the scale of the whole river system.