The protection policies for the European eel have reached a point where renewed momentum is needed. Progress in the field, in governance, in policy development and in the scientific advice has come to a stand-still, highlighting the need to reinvigorate cooperation and implementation efforts.

The existing policy instruments provide a solid foundation and are largely fit for purpose. The main opportunity now lies in strengthening the effectiveness of their implementation and improving coordination between policy and practice.

By addressing the governance challenges in what has become a highly polarised portfolio, the Sustainable Eel Group SEG now suggests to unlock the potential of the existing framework and create the conditions for more effective protection and recovery of the European eel.See SEG’s analysis and recommendations for the governance of the protection for the eel.

For more information see the SEG Paper on Governance of Eel protection