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

Development and Implementation of Biological Reference Points for the Management of the European Eel (Anguilla anguilla(L.))

Bark, A.W. Department of Life Sciences, Franklin-Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford Street, Waterloo, London, SE1 9NN
El-Hosaini, H.S. Department of Life Sciences, Franklin-Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford Street, Waterloo, London, SE1 9NN
Kirkwood, G.P. Renewable Resources Assessment Group, Department of Environmental Science & Technology, Imperial College London, Prince Consort Road, London. SW7 2BP
Knights, B. Applied Ecology Research Group, University of Westminster, 115 Cavendish Street, London. W1M 8JS
Williams, B.* Department of Life Sciences, Franklin-Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford Street, Waterloo, London, SE1 9NN

Presenter email address: beth.williams@ AT kcl.ac.uk

Abstract Text: The UK Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs is funding a 4-year research project, aiming to establish biological reference points (BRPs) for appropriate management units for the European eel, Anguilla anguilla, in England and Wales. The results will inform decision-making, fishery monitoring, management approaches and harvest strategies around England and Wales, with potential for application elsewhere in Europe and to anguillids in other continents. Principal objectives: i). To develop, program, and test models for population dynamics, stock assessment, and management strategies suitable for application to eel fisheries in key catchments. ii). To research and develop methods for establishing BRPs (as targets and limits) to inform practical and sustainable management of eel stocks and fisheries within appropriate management units. iii). To develop recommendations for appropriate decision structures, management approaches, and harvest strategies, within the context of the ICES precautionary approach and the UK National Eel Management Strategy. iv). To specify data requirements and practical monitoring options for assessing compliance of eel stocks with reference points. v). To provide a practical demonstration of the development of BRPs and the application of monitoring approaches in appropriate test catchments.