---

In this insightful blog post, Jack Wootton at the Forth Rivers Trust discusses the careful balance of conservation through farming, in the form of restocking and funded research:

---

“To wrap up, farming is not the only thing that can benefit the eel – far from it. This is just another tool to be used in the conservation toolbox. The removal of river barriers, cleaning of our rivers and restoration of eel habitat are all other methods of helping our forgotten fish. Currently, eel farming offers the economic incentive to protect a species that is not cute, cuddly or charismatic (in others opinion). For or against this trade, the issues facing the eel are complex to say the least and without another alternative on the horizon who else will foot the bill to protect this species? Large scale efforts are needed to protect this species and cross-country efforts are essential. Is this the future of sustainable conservation?”

---

Read the full post here. See below for Jack’s video showing the eel release.