Accelerating the recovery of the European Eel

News

Have your say on the SEG Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning Plan.

To those in the European eel community Have your say on the SEG Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning Plan.  Comments requested by Friday 10 May As we …

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Sustainable Eel Group alarmed for eel by Hinkley Point developments

Concerned about the potential implications for migratory fish species, including the critically endangered European eel, the Sustainable Eel Group is disinclined to support the  Hinkley …

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Reporterre: “L’anguille française victime d’un vaste trafic international”

“victim of extensive international trafficking” In this investigation by Hortense Chauvin &  Théo Tzelepoglou (La Salamandre) for Reporterre, the illegal  eel trade in France is discussed …

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Notice to the SEG Standard Community 5 January 2024

Artwork by Stroud artist Nat Morley

Notice to the SEG Standard Certification Community      5 January 2024 English               Nederlands              Français    …

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Fisheries Council December Decision on Eel

“After discussions started on Sunday afternoon, the EU Fisheries Council has finally reached agreement on additional measures to protect European eel in the coming year, as part …

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European Parliament votes for full implementation of the Eel Regulation

European Parliament voted on Ruissen’s report on the 20th November 2023, with 487 voters for and 19 against. The report is available here, alongside the …

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NEW SEG STANDARD PUBLISHED

Brussels, 20 November 2023. The Sustainable Eel Group announces the publication of its new standard version 7.0. The standard is a voluntary certification scheme for …

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CITES award Europol: Operation Lake

CITES Secretary-General’s Certificate of Commendation awarded to Europol for successful law enforcement operation to address illegal trade in European eel   CITES Press Release 09/11/2023 …

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EP Report – Committee on Fisheries: Bert-Jan Ruissen

REPORT on the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No 1100/2007 establishing measures for the recovery of the stock of European eel 10.11.2023 – (2023/2030(INI)) Committee on Fisheries – …

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Trafficking Update October 2023

updated 12/10/2023 OCTOBER Basque country: release of one of the main suspects in the case of vast pibale trafficking Nationalwide Star Canada Corp. and one …

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Stroud Valleys Project: Eels are on the move

Eels  are on the move “Like salmon, eels once thrived in the waterways around Stroud – but habitat loss, overfishing and artificial barriers blocking rivers …

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Beastly Business Final Report

The Beastly Business Final Report summarises findings on Illegal Wildlife Trade in Europe, with a specific section on the illegal trade, exploitation and harm towards …

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Have your final say on the new SEG Standard

As previously announced, the SEG standard, a Code of Practice for a Responsible Eel Sector, is undergoing a major revision in 2023. Thank you to …

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Eels have vanished from critical parts of Somerset Levels, DNA tests show – Guardian UK

Experts shocked as analysis finds no traces of eel DNA in area once teeming with the endangered fish Eel experts say they are shocked to …

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Le Temps: Threatened, baby eels are trafficked at high prices to Asian tables

Part one of a new summer series in Le Temps: History(ies) of trafficking. Glass eels, drugs, cocaine, antiquities and human remains: with @MathildeFarine ‘HISTORY(IES) OF …

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European Parliament: Committee on Fisheries 27th June 2023

The Committee on Fisheries took place at 14:30 CET on the 27th June until 18:30 CET.  The committee schedule is available here SEG Chairman Andrew …

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Counter-trafficking Summary – May-June 2023

Summary of recent counter-trafficking news – updated 27/06/2023 LATEST UPDATE ON CURRENT COURT CASE IN VENDEÉ FOR TWO INVOLVED (27/06/23) 100,000 euro fine each 18 …

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SEG AGM 2023

The SEG Annual General Meeting took place on the 18th April 2023 A link to the minutes of the meeting is available here A recording …

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‘Dam fine work: record number of barrier removals helps restore rivers across Europe’ – Guardian

“A record number of river barriers, including dams and weirs, were removed across Europe in 2022, with at least 325 taken down in 16 countries, …

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Baby eels worth $112K seized at Halifax airport

Baby eels are the most valuable fish species by weight in Canada “Authorities seized a shipment of baby eels, or elvers, at Halifax Stanfield International …

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‘This is an endangered species’: calls to take eels off the European menu – Guardian

The snake-like species is under threat from smugglers, the climate crisis and Europe’s appetite for traditional dishes Full article here

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From bidding for the first eel in La Arena to jail for trafficking with it – El Comercio

From bidding for the first eel in La Arena to jail for trafficking with it The businessman Delfín Jesús GM, the manager of the Soto …

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Wildlife groups call for a ban on the transport of eels from Britain to Russia – The Times

Wildlife groups have called for a ban on the transport of eels from Britain to conservation projects in Russia, claiming it cannot be guaranteed that …

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Customs dismantles an international traffic of glass eels in the Paris region and seizes 302 kg of glass eels

Customs dismantles an international traffic of glass eels in the Paris region and sixteen 302 kg of these eel fry “Bruno Le Maire, Minister of …

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“This country once ran on eels” – The Times

“This country once ran on eels, but now man-made obstacles mean they die before they can complete one of the world’s great migrations” Read the …

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Job Oppurtunity – Senior Project Manager (Eelscapes) WWT

The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, along with partners Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, the Environment Agency and a suite of local landowners, has been successful in securing …

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“Aquitaine: glass eel trafficking dismantled by customs” – franceinfo

News report by franceinfo shows the modus operandi of eel trafficking in previously unreleased footage. See full article here, translated into English below: “The trafficking …

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SEG – Five points for Council, December 2022

SEG – Five points for Council, December 2022 #EelDeal2030 Eel Stock has stabilised for over a decade following a steep 30 years decline and the …

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SEG Position on the AGRIFISH Fishing Opportunities meeting

SEG position on the AGRIFISH Fishing Opportunities meeting regarding the future protection and recovery of the stock of the European Eel. SEG Position on the …

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SEG Position on Trade of European Eel from non-EU Countries

SEG Position on Trade of Eel from non EU Countries Nov 2022 The EU has a strong, well known and increasingly well regulated policy and …

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WCL Wildlife Crime Report 2022

In the 2022 @WCL_News wildlife crime report @WWFUnitedKingdom & @trafficnetwork write on the need for proper recording & more convictions for cases of illegal wildlife …

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Call out for Applicants: Support Towards ISEAL Code Compliance

The Sustainable Eel Group is looking for consultancy, contract or other part-time support during 2023 to assist in its programme to complete the journey to …

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SEG Position on the AGRIFISH Fishing Opportunities meeting

SEG position on the AGRIFISH Fishing Opportunities meeting regarding the future protection and recovery of the stock of the European Eel. SEG Position on the …

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SVT ‘The Last Eel’ nominated for the ‘Great Journalist Award’ – FishEco

Sven Bergman, Ola Christoffersson and Erik Palm from Uppdrag Granskning SVT are the creators of the program ‘The Last Eel‘, which has now been nominated …

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elDinero Haiti – “The export of eel has the potential to be a great generator of foreign exchange”

“The export of eel has the potential to be a great generator of foreign exchange” Expert estimates more than 5,000 fishermen in this fishing area, …

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Doing more in Europe for eel recovery – Visserij Nieuws

More needs to be done to better protect eels. According to the European ministers at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council last week. “The agenda for Monday …

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DAFV – Rethinking management of the European eel

The DAFV (German Fishing Association) responds to recent changes by the EU commission and member states on the management of the European eel: “We are pleased …

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Eels and Elvers at Tetbury Goods Shed Art Centre

August 2022 – Tetbury Goods Shed Art Centre On the 24th August 2022 Alex Barty joined Andrew Kerr at the Goods Shed Tetbury for an …

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#EelDeal2030 European Parliament Event

On the 13th July MEP Annie Schreijer-Pierik hosted the #EelDeal2030 European Parliament Event. With over 20 attendees on the day, and many more tuning in virtually; …

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Thousands of eels get a helping hand with their migration on the Severn and Avon

Nearly 200,000 eels have been caught and moved over migration barriers on rivers in Tewkesbury The annual spring migration of elvers (young eels of the …

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The first known release of eels into a beaver created wetland

Baby eels, also known as  glass eels or elvers

Over 200 eels have been released into a new wetland created by beavers in Somerset, in what is believed to be a first. Beavers are …

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Thousands of eels get a helping hand with their migration in Somerset rivers

Over 100,000 eels have been caught and moved over migration barriers on rivers in Somerset The annual spring migration of elvers (young eels of the …

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Hundreds of eels get a helping hand with their migration in the upper river Brue

Young Eels

Over 300 eels have been caught and moved above the Bruton flood storage reservoir The annual spring migration of elvers (young eels of the common …

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Europol – 49 individuals across Europe arrested in major blow to eels trafficking

Relaxation of Covid-19 travel restrictions saw the return of the ‘glass eels in a suitcase’ modus operandi Europol reports: “A joint operation by European law …

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EU Eel Regulation 15th Anniversary

SEG position on the 15th anniversary of the EU Eel Regulation, and the 15th anniversary of the CITES listing of the European eel. June 11th …

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Arrested linked to glass eel trade

Former police officer Miguel Ángel Devesa has been arrested along with nine other members of a cocaine smuggling network operating from the Ivory Coast. Notably, …

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Thousands of eels get a helping hand with their migration in the Bristol Avon catchment

Over 15,000 eels have been caught and moved over migration barriers on rivers near Bristol. The annual spring migration of elvers (young eels of the …

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EU Eel Regulation 15th Anniversary

Original post by Willem Dekker 11/06/2022 Hurray, hurray! A big congratulation to EU Maritime & Fish: today is the fifteenth anniversary of the EU Eel …

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Elver fishermen go fishing for nature conservation

Fishermen on the river Severn have been given special permission to catch elvers to move them over Abbey Mill weir in Tewkesbury. The annual spring …

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Eel smuggling: The lure of gain

Vincent Larouche covers updates in a new eel trafficking case in Canada for La Presse “Quebec grilled eel lovers could have eaten a species “in …

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Eel – Farming, policy and protection

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 …

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Elver run blocked at Ennistymon Falls on the River Inagh, Co Clare, May 2022.

Shared by Dr. Will O’Connor @EcofactEcology Elvers running at Ennistymon Falls on the River Inagh, Co Clare, May 2022. The falls are natural – but …

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Euronews: “Europe’s endangered eels: what’s been done to save a miraculous creature”

In this new 360° video and article for Euronews, Denis Loctier covers many of the issues affecting the European eel, and the mitigation measures being …

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Answer given by Mr Sinkevičius on behalf of the European Commission

Response given by Mr Sinkevičius on behalf of the European Commission: “The ‘Eel Regulation1’ provides a framework for the protection and sustainable exploitation of the …

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SEG Annual General Meeting 21 April 2022

SEG members and stakeholders are invited to attend the Annual General Meeting on 21 April 2022,  13.30 – 14.30 Central European Time (12.30 – 13.30 …

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The threat of a total closure of fishing hovers over the Loire-Atlantique civeliers

“In the Loire basin, Côtiers Vendéens and Sèvre Niortaise, 200 fishermen catch glass eels. For several years, eel fry have been present, but Ciem experts …

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The Government has been given a comprehensive plan to tackle wildlife crime – will it implement it?

Martin Sims, Chair of Link’s Wildlife Crime Working Group, highlights a major new report on UK wildlife crime and calls for swift implementation of its …

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Loire Atlantique. Elver poaching: 23 people arrested since the start of the season

Loire Atlantique. Elver poaching: 23 people arrested since the start of the season Published on 03/03/2022 at 4:31 p.m. “The figures sound like the resurgence of baby …

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GreenPartner appointed as Conformity Assessment Body for SEG

Today the Sustainable Eel Group (SEG) announces the appointing of GreenPartner as a Conformity Assessment Body to provide third party, independent certification services to companies …

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DAFV statement: Fish in crisis – Aalarm! (February 21, 2022 on Spiegel-Online)

Statement by DAFV in response to the article, “Fish in crisis – Aalarm!” by Spiegel Online 21.02.22 “It is very unfortunate that Der Spiegel in …

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From a Caribbean Island to Sushi Plates: The Million-dollar Business of Eel Fishing

A new story by Daniela Quintero Díaz at Earth Journalism covering the eel trade from Carribean. “Fishing for baby eels, translucent and elusive fish smaller than a pinky, has …

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MEDAC ADVICE ON THE EUROPEAN EEL

The first of the Regional Advisory Councils RAC for fishing has responded to the stakeholder consultation request on the ICES 2021 Advice as follows: “This …

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Illegal fishing, glass eels confiscated by the Viareggio Coast Guard

“In recent days, the Port Authority – Coast Guard of Viareggio has intensified its supervision of the fishing industry, in accordance with the directives of …

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Fined 7.2 million euros for trying to pass 65 kilos of eels to Morocco

“The Criminal Court number 1 of Algeciras has sentenced a man to pay a fine of 7,200,000 euros to the Junta de Andalucía and one …

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Eel farms to move completely to SEG-certified glass eel

All Northern European eel farms have fully switched to SEG-certified glass eels for the 2021/2022 season. With this, the eel farms are taking a big …

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Eel smuggler hit with world record €7.2m fine

A Spanish judge has handed down the world’s largest fine for eel smuggling, striking a blow against Europe’s least known but most profitable wildlife crime. …

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Mapping the eel migration routes

 Mapping the eel migration routes  Map with datalogger locations With the use of 96 data loggers, scientists of the Research Institute for Nature and Forest …

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Glass eel smuggling: 6,000 euros for a kilo of fish

“While German anglers struggle with fishing for eel, millions of euros are earned from illegal glass eel exports.”  In this interview with Blinker , Florian …

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‘More money than drugs or guns’: the illegal eel trade

“Shrinking eel stocks and measures like fishing quotas have helped fuel a billion-dollar black market in the delicacy, dubbed “the greatest wildlife crime on the …

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70 million years on earth, 40 years of decline: the endangered eel

“It won’t take long for the other 16 species of eels to get on the endangered list. So we have to have a global approach …

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Adored and endangered: The complex world of the Japanese eel

“While the writhing snake-like creature is repellent to some, it is a mainstay of Japanese cuisine. Since the 17th century it has most often been …

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Euronews: Is a European “eel deal” the only way to save this endangered species?

In this Euronews article and documentary investigation, Denis Loctier explores the real issues facing the European Eel. SEG now calls for all countries to protect …

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SEG calls for improved implementation

In 2007 the EU reacted to the collapsing eel population crisis with a Regulation requiring all countries to develop and implement their eel management plans. …

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Le Monde: The traffic in troubled waters of glass eels

“After two special years, marked by disrupted air links, poachers want to recover, urges Michel Vignaud, in charge of migratory police and fisheries regulations at …

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Debate: Final remark – Inland waters crucial for the eel

Shrinking habitats in inland waters have been devastating for European eels. If this is not remedied, the eel population’s chances of recovering will decrease, write six …

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The last eel – (Swedish television – SVT)

The last eel (Swedish television – SVT) from Ola Christoffersson on Vimeo. It’s been around since the Atlantic Ocean was formed. But nowadays, the eel, …

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SEG considers “Zero Catch” advice

In this position paper, SEG responds to the November 4th 2021 ICES advice “SEG realises that the implementation of this plan (The Eel Regulation 2007) …

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Debate: Recreate the eels’ habitats and reduce mortality in hydropower plants

“Assignment review program on the eel shows that the protection of the species is both burning and complex. Protection is best coordinated at EU level as …

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SEG vision on protection and recovery of the European eel

In July 2020, SEG published our vision on the status of the European eel stock, and formulated our aspiration for recovery. In this text, we …

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A creature of mystery: New Zealand’s love-hate relationship with eels

“Native species have been revered, feared, hunted and tamed. Now experts hope revulsion can give way to fascination” by Elle Hunt in Auckland Read the full article …

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Revente de civelles dans les Landes : des peines de prison avec sursis

“It is a warning sentence, quite heavy in quantum, to avoid the repetition of facts of this nature. Be careful, this means that you clearly …

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SEG Feedback to the EC Consultation on ‘Preventing Illegal Trade in Wildlife’

The Sustainable Eel Group has responded to the EC Consultation ‘Preventing Illegal Trade in Wildlife – Revision of EU Action Plan’: “The efforts of the …

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Réponse du SEG à la consultation du Ministère français sur le quota de civelles 2021/22 – FR

Le Sustainable Eel Group (SEG) a répondu à la consultation du ministère français de l’alimentation et de l’agriculture sur la fixation du quota de civelles …

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SEG response to the French Ministrys Consulation on the Glass eel quota 2021/22 – EN

The Sustainable Eel Group (SEG) has responded to the French Food and Agriculture Ministry’s consultation on setting the France Glass eel quota for the 2021/22 …

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Major court hearing: “Landes: isolated false invoice or fraudulent resale of organized glass eels?”

This article by Arnauld Bernard for Sud Ouest online newspaper reveals new information on a major court case implying fraudulent activity. We have translated the …

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Farewell to Florian

Left: Florian (middle) receiving the SEG award during SEG’s 10th anniversary. Right: our farewell-gift, a glass sculpture made by Liz Huppert SEG is delighted to …

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A good deal for healthy eels | Atlas of the Future

In this article, Atlas of the Future​ look at the collaborative approach necessary for the accelerated recovery of the European Eel as part of their …

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Eels in the Classroom Programme 2021

From early June 2021, schools across the South West of England have engaged in this years rendition of the ‘Eels in the Classroom’ project. The …

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Resident of Hong Kong Who Smuggled Endangered Glass Eels from the US Pleads Guilty

Thursday, July 1, 2021. Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Edward Grace, Assistant Director of the Office of Law …

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The Eel Regulation is slowly working

This article by Phoebe Weston for The Guardian explores the multiple issues facing the European Eel, and draws light on the legislation and direct action …

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Trafficking in glass eels: dismantling of international trafficking network by investigators from Bordeaux

These illegal transports and exports of 46 tonnes of glass eels in total represent a very lucrative traffic amounting to 18.5 million euros to date. …

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Eel Rewilding

 This Razor production investigates the challenges of bringing about eel recovery. Viewers are taken through some of the complex issues and make a compelling …

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Eels shipped in air cargo found in Operation Lake V

Europol press release, 04 June 2021, original available here Eel trafficking also influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic Between November 2020 and June 2021, Europol coordinated …

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Assisted Eel Migration on the River Brue

Eels in container prior to release into the River Brue – video credit Anna Redwood On the 29th April, glass eels were released at appropriate …

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Operation LAKE: Three arrested for illegal catching of elvers in international operation

The Portuguese National Guard announced that three people were arrested and three others were charged with the illegal capture and possession of elvers in an …

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Assisted Migration to support rewilding with glass eels

The European Eel has an extraordinary life cycle and here on the banks of the Severn the annual migration heralding spring continues to astound fishermen, …

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Fishermen and Conservation groups in Somerset get together to help eel populations

Moments after releasing 145,000 elvers at Bradford-on-Tone, they are seen migrating upriver. 16 April 2021. With the help of volunteer fishermen, traders,  local land owners, …

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The SEG Team is growing

From April 2021, SEG will be supported by conservation officer Toby Mills. Toby is an artist and researcher who has joined us on our team …

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SEG holds its 2021 AGM

SEG held its 2021 AGM by Zoom on 9 March. The minutes, Chairman’s report and accounts can be viewed here. 

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THE COUNTER story covering the global eel market

Slimy, smuggled and worth more than gold: Can one Maine entrepreneur break into the crime-ridden global market for eel? by Karen Pinchin, 11.03.2021 “Using court …

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Canadian import company fined for illegally importing European eel meat

VANCOUVER, BC, March 4, 2021 /CNW/ – The Government of Canada is committed to protecting Canadian and foreign species of wild animals and plants that may …

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2.5 million young eels released in Randmeren, Netherlands

On Wednesday, 3 March, 2.5 million young eels were released in the Dutch Randmeren lakes. The elvers arrived by truck from France. They were weighed …

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2 Job vacancies at Wetlands International Europe

Project officer The overall purpose of the job The Project officer will support the technical and financial work of Wetlands International Europe in relation to …

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New FAO report discusses European eel in trade

CITES and the sea: Trade in commercially exploited CITES-listed marine species For the chapter on European eel, Florian Stein, SEG’s Director of Scientific Operations was …

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Much of the French glass eel fishery certified ‘responsibly sourced’

Brussels, 15 January 2021. Following the certification of an additional 106 fishers, the Sustainable Eel Group announces that a large portion of the French glass eel …

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Bending the Curve for the European Eel

Bending the Curve for the European Eel Demonstrating the impacts of the Sustainable Eel Group through a decade of eel protection, accelerating the eel recovery …

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Bending the Curve

Bending the Curve for the European Eel Demonstrating the impacts of the Sustainable Eel Group through a decade of eel protection, accelerating the eel recovery …

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Bending the Curve for the European Eel

Bending the Curve for the European Eel Demonstrating the impacts of the Sustainable Eel Group through a decade of eel protection, accelerating the eel recovery …

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Bending the Curve for the European Eel

Bending the Curve for the European Eel Demonstrating the impacts of the Sustainable Eel Group through a decade of eel protection, accelerating the eel recovery …

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Bending the Curve for the European Eel

Bending the Curve for the European Eel Demonstrating the impacts of the Sustainable Eel Group through a decade of eel protection, accelerating the eel recovery …

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Bending the Curve

Bending the Curve for the European Eel Demonstrating the impacts of the Sustainable Eel Group through a decade of eel protection, accelerating the eel recovery …

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Bending the Curve

Bending the Curve for the European Eel Demonstrating the impacts of the Sustainable Eel Group through a decade of eel protection, accelerating the eel recovery …

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Bending the Curve for the European Eel

Bending the Curve for the European Eel Demonstrating the impacts of the Sustainable Eel Group through a decade of eel protection, accelerating the eel recovery …

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Brexit impacts the protection and sustainable use of the European eel

Following the publication of the EU and UK trade deal, the Sustainable Eel Group is concerned that restrictions on trade will affect both the protection …

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Responsible SEG supply chain expands further into Germany

Brussels, 15 December 2020. The Sustainable Eel Group (SEG) proudly announces that from 13 December 2020 onwards, four German companies are SEG certified to provide …

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Kitty Macfarlane and the Somerset Levels

Listen to BBC Open Country, Kitty Macfarlane and the Somerset Levels Kitty Macfarlane meets Andrew Kerr to talk abouts

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“Bending the Curve”, Andrew Kerr @Global Eel Science Conference 2020

 Presentation by Andrew Kerr, 12 November 2020, @Global Eel Science Conference, Institute of Inland Fisheries (IFM)

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Is de paling straks uitgestorven? ‘Structureel herstel gaat mijn dochter niet meer meemaken, mijn kleindochter hopelijk wel’

De aal lijdt in Europa onder visserij en vervuiling. Ook waterkrachtcentrales voor schone energieproductie treffen de iconische glibbervis. Frank Straver 30 oktober 2020, published on …

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Bending the Curve for the European Eel

Bending the Curve for the European Eel Demonstrating the impacts of the Sustainable Eel Group through a decade of eel protection, accelerating the eel recovery …

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Bending the Curve for the European Eel

Bending the Curve for the European Eel Demonstrating the impacts of the Sustainable Eel Group through a decade of eel protection, accelerating the eel recovery …

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Dupan participates in the World Fish Migration Day

22 October 2020. Dupan participates in the World Fish Migration DayDUPAN participates in the World Fish Migration Day. At 10 project locations throughout the Netherlands, …

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Publication on the estimation of the exploitation rate of European eel in the Severn Estuary

A paper on the estimation of the exploitation rate of glass eels in the Severn Estuary in 2020 has been published by Miran Aprahamian and …

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Counter trafficking success is reflected by crash in European glass eel supply into Chinese eel aquaculture

Success of counter glass eel trafficking in Europe is reflected by crash in European glass eel supply into Chinese eel aquaculture September 2020. Since the …

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September 2020: EU regulation 1100/2007 remains fit for purpose

Parliament questions 15 July 2020 Question for written answer to the Commission Rule 138 Question reference: E-004198/2020 Caroline Roose (Verts/ALE), Grace O’Sullivan (Verts/ALE) In its …

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Het Moeizame Herstel Van De Paling

Article by Koen Moons, published on Bionieuws Na tien jaar aalherstel gloort er hoop voor de Europese paling, maar de grootste slag is nog te …

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SEG position on the eel stock status, and our ambition for recovery

Introduction The eel is nearly extinct – this is often claimed – necessitating a call for a total emergency, with all measures to protect and …

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Understanding European eel ecology within a Norfolk river catchment to inform eel management

Understanding European eel (Anguilla anguilla) ecology within a Norfolk river catchment to inform eel management Project duration: 07/2017 – 10/19 Project partners:  University of College, …

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Protective measures for the European eel are beginning to pay off

Protective measures for the European eel are beginning to pay off. Eel stocking must be further intensified Download Article by Eurofish Magazine/Dr Manfred Klinkhard here!

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Protection and sustainable use of the European eel

We are often asked ‘ How can it be OK to fish and eat the highly protected European Eel?’. Here we explain and answer this …

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UNODC World Wildlife Crime Report 2020 features eel trafficking

Download Chapter 7: European Glass Eels Download full WWCR 2020 From Reports Introduction: “On 28 October 2019, French customs officers at Charles de Gaulle Airport …

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SEG position on the eel stock status, and our ambition for recovery

Introduction The eel is nearly extinct – this is often claimed – necessitating a call for a total emergency, with all measures to protect and …

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Indonesian Ministry encourages development of accountable and sustainable eel farming

Jakarta (antaranews.com) – The Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry has encouraged farmers and businessmen in the sector to develop eel farming and explore its potential …

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SEG position on the eel stock status, and our ambition for recovery

Introduction The eel is nearly extinct – this is often claimed – necessitating a call for a total emergency, with all measures to protect and …

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SEG position on the eel stock status, and our ambition for recovery

Introduction The eel is nearly extinct – this is often claimed – necessitating a call for a total emergency, with all measures to protect and …

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Inside the takedown of Europe’s multi-billion pound eel mafia

Eels are one of the ocean’s great mysteries, but populations have been trafficked to the verge of extinction. Now eel-smuggling gangs are starting to get …

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SEG position on restocking

DOWNLOAD SEG 2020. Position on Restocking Introduction In 2007, the EU Eel Regulation (EC 1100/2007) was adopted, aiming to protect and restore the stock of …

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SEG position on restocking

DOWNLOAD SEG 2020. Position on Restocking Introduction In 2007, the EU Eel Regulation (EC 1100/2007) was adopted, aiming to protect and restore the stock of …

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108 smugglers arrested and over 2 tonnes of glass eels seized in Europe

EUROPOL, 04 June 2020. On the occasion of the World Environment Day, which takes places tomorrow, Europol marks this day by promoting environmental action and its …

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Endangered elvers have made a dramatic comeback in British waters following a year of ‘perfect’ conditions

source: The Telegraph 29 May 2020. The European eel, once plentiful in our rivers and canals, is dangerously close to extinction after it was overfished …

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EU Food Fraud Network: Example of an EU coordinated case on illegal trade in European eels

Europe is experiencing an increase in illegal fishing and smuggling of glass eels (baby eels) to Asia. Because of climate change, pollution and overfishing, local …

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Strong returns in Japan, but eel market still struggling

13 May, 2020. The number of eels caught in Japan rose sharply in the most recent fishing season, covering the period from November 2019 to …

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Massive pollution spill in the River Scheldt killed eels and other aquatic Life

The River Scheldt is an international river and runs from France through Belgium to discharge in the North Sea in the Netherlands, spanning ca. 400 …

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SEG Welcomes Review of Eel Regulation

The Sustainable Eel Group welcomes the publication of the review of the 2007 EU Eel Regulation DOWNLOAD pdf press release Brussels, 21 April 2020. The EU Eel …

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Bending the Curve

“Bending the Curve” SEG 10th Annual General Meeting held in Potsdam 10th March 2020 Chairman’s Report It is now 17 months since SEG held its last, …

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2020 elver migration videos confirm upward trend in recruitment

2020 elver migration videos confirm upward trend in recruitment 2020 is a great year for elver migration in the Severn Estuary. Fishermen have sent many …

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Coronavirus and SEG Standard Certification

Coronavirus and SEG Standard Certification 01 April 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic is presenting huge challenges to the whole world – to people and economies. The …

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How is the European eel doing?

How is the European eel doing? After more than half a century of gloomy deterioration, there are now good reasons for optimism: we’ve got the …

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Endangered species on supermarket shelves: HKU’s Conservation Forensics Lab reveals the surprising prevalence of European Eel in Hong Kong’s food supply

Endangered species on supermarket shelves: HKU’s Conservation Forensics Lab reveals the surprising prevalence of European Eel in Hong Kong’s food supply The press release was …

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The European Eel Regulation: effective, elements to be sharpened, further ambition and action needed

The European Eel Regulation: effective, elements to be sharpened, further ambition and action needed Brussels, 19 February 2020 On 18 February 2020, the European Commission …

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Global police operation tackles illicit trade in eel meat

Global police operation tackles illicit trade in eel meat Original article from Interpol Working Group Newsletter/7 – January 2020 published on www.SustainableEelGroup.org with permission from …

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Surrey fish broker becomes first in UK convicted of involvement in £2.5bn endangered eel smuggling racket

Surrey fish broker becomes first in UK convicted of involvement in £2.5bn endangered eel smuggling racket Exclusive: Every year 350m baby live eels are being …

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Natural recruitment of depleted European eel is finally increasing

The leading Independent Scientific Body advising the EU on fisheries matters states that glass eel recruitment has been increasing in the period 2011 – 2019 …

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Protecting the European eel

Protecting the European eel Willem Dekker | 15th January 2020 | first published in The Ecologist It has been twelve years since the adoption of a European …

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Over 5 tonnes of smuggled glass eels seized in Europe this year

Over 5 tonnes of smuggled glass eels seized in Europe this year 06 November 2019. EUROPOL PRESS RELEASE During the most recent fishing season (2018-19), …

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Skyddar vi ålen tillräckligt bra?

Situationen för ålbeståndet är svår och osäker. För tolv år sedan antogs en europeisk handlingsplan för att skydda ålen. Nu är det dags att se …

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Ist der Europäische Aal ausreichend geschützt?

Zwölf Jahre nach Inkrafttreten des europäischen Aktionsplans zum Schutz des Aals ist es Zeit für eine Überprüfung. Was wurde getan? Was wurde erreicht? – und …

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French and Japanese authorities demonstrate their determination to counter eel poaching and trafficking

French authorities demonstrate their determination to counter eel  trafficking 04 November 2019, Brussels. On Monday 28 October 2019, one woman and one man were stopped with …

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Glass eel fishery starts 01 November in Southern France

25.10.2019. The prefecture Nouvelle Aquitaine has communicated the opening dates of the glass eel fishery: 01 November – Pyrenees-Atlantiques, Les Landes 15 November – Gironde …

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Sustainable Eel Group becomes ISEAL associate member

Brussels/London 18 September 2019. ISEAL announces the Sustainable Eel Group (SEG) as associate member. SEG joins as an organisation whose system meets ISEAL’s entry level criteria. …

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Guardia Civil arrests 16 persons from 4 criminal groups, seizing about 1.2 Million glass eels

21 October 2019. Within the framework of Operation FAME, the Spanish Guardia Civil has arrested and investigated 16 persons belonging to four organised groups involved …

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Eel appeal: new anguillid compendium published

Eel appeal: new anguillid compendium published by Rob Fletcher for thefishsite.com 7 October 2019 On the day that Eels: Biology, Monitoring, Management, Culture and Exploitation, …

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Improvements for eel trade reporting at CITES CoP18

Between 17 and 28 August 2019, the 183 Parties of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wildlife Fauna and Flora (CITES) met …

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Influence of ocean circulation on Japanese eel recruitment

Influence of ocean circulation and the Kuroshio large meander on the 2018 Japanese eel recruitment season Authors: Chang Y-L K,  Miyazawa Y, Miller MJ, Tsukamoto K https://bit.ly/2poaJux …

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More action needed on European eel?

The stock of the European eel (Anguilla anguilla) is in a critical condition. This fish, once dominant in most watercourses around Europe, has been in …

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A. japonica in 2019: record low catch, about 18,000 EUR/kg

Price surge behind glass eel poaching Published on 23 July 2019 in The Japan News by the Yomiuri Shimbun Catches of juvenile Japanese eels, known …

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#SEG10Y – SEG 10 Years Anniversary June 2019

10 Years of Sustainable Eel Group. Where next for eel protection? Please click here to view images #SEG10Y Please click here to access many of …

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EUROPOL: 15 million endangered eels have been seized in world’s greatest wildlife crime

EUROPOL announce 15 million endangered eels have been seized in world’s greatest, yet least known, wildlife crime Europol set out their ‘flagship operation’ to counter …

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EU Commissioner Karmenu Vella about eel trafficking

Brussels, 18 June 2019. In a written interview with Kyodo News, EU Commissioner Karmenu Vella addressed the issue of eel trafficking. Vella is the Commissioner …

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BBC Countryfile investigation exposes black market in illegal exports of protected eels

BBC Countryfile investigation exposes black market in illegal exports of protected eels – 350million live baby eels said to be illegally smuggled to Asia each …

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First conviction in Spain for elver smugglers

First conviction in Spain for elver smugglers The first conviction for trafficking this juvenile to Asia imposes 1.5 million fine and six years in prison …

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Fishermen and Conservation groups in Somerset get together to help elvers migrate up river

Fishermen and Conservation groups in Somerset get together to help elvers migrate up river 14 May 2019. Elver fishermen on the River Parrett in Somerset …

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SEG 10-year anniversary 27/28 June 2019

Here is the latest programme Please note that the entrance to the event at the Flett Theatre inside the National History Museum (NHM) is on …

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Elver fishermen prepare to donate catches for nature conservation

Elver fishermen on the Parrett and Severn are preparing to donate some of their catch to help eel populations. The elver fishing season on the …

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SEG’s response to the Public Consultation on the Eel Regulation

Download as pdf document here! SEG’s response to the Public Consultation on the Eel Regulation Based on the arguments worked out below, SEG considers that …

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34 tonnes glass eels poached in France annually

Police de l’environnement : «Des trafics qui peuvent rapporter autant que la drogue» Frédéric Mouchon et Émilie Torgemen published 06 April 2019 in Le Parisien …

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Ancient migration mystery could be solved after eels fitted with satellite tags

Published 18 February 2019 by: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, and Environment Agency A team of researchers, led …

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Progress in reducing eel trafficking

Since the glass eel fishing season started in October 2018, several cases indicate that increased enforcement pressure is successfully reducing the illegal export of glass …

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Zwei Facetten eines bislang ungelösten Problems (Fischmagazin 1/2019)

Please access the full article on facebook or download pdf here Mehrer kürzlich am Frankfurter Flughafen abgefangene Schmuggel-Koffer mit Glasaalen und ein im Dezember vom …

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European eel’s recovery requires political action on more than just fishing

Brussels, 19 December 2018. The EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council has agreed to increase eel protection by extending the three-month closure of fishing to all …

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European Commission starts public consultation process

European Commission starts public consultation process as part of the evaluation of the Eel Regulation Feedback period: 14 December 2018 – 8 March 2019 Target …

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Endangered eels given a helping hand up the River Trent as they make epic transatlantic journey

Endangered eels given a helping hand up the River Trent as they make epic transatlantic journey Work has been completed to enable endangered eels to …

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Possible EU temporal eel fishing closure and its potential implications for glass eel trafficking

Possible EU temporal eel fishing closure and its potential implications for glass eel trafficking The article was originally published  on 6 Dec 2018 www.blueplanetsociety.org In 2017, the …

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***LIVE TICKER*** AGRIFISH 17/18 December 2018

On December 17-18 (Monday & Tuesday), the EU Fisheries Ministers will meet to decide about fishing opportunities for 2019. This may include a decision about …

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Again, Germany has been used as transit country for glass eel trafficking!

Again, Germany has been used as transit country for glass eel trafficking! 21 Dec 2018, Berlin. For the second time within a few weeks, a …

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Germany is transit country for one of planet’s greatest Wildlife Crime

Germany is transit country for one of planet’s greatest Wildlife Crime 04 Dec 2018, Berlin. the first time, wildlife smugglers were caught at a German …

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EU needs to build on progress to protect the European Eel

EU needs to build on progress to protect the European Eel Brussels, 03 December 2018. In an effort to step up regulatory action to protect …

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NGOs press European Water Directors for transparency in ongoing evaluation process of EU water legislation

Ahead of their meeting in Vienna on 29 November 2018, the Living Rivers Europe NGO coalition urges the EU Water Directors to refrain from endorsing …

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SEG’s Annual General Meeting 04 October 2018

AGM on 04 October 2018 in Brussels Click for Agenda Click for AGM Report 2018 Click for Chairman’s presentation Click for AGM Minutes

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Eel trafficking in EU called the ‘largest wildlife crime on Earth’

Eel trafficking in EU called the ‘largest wildlife crime on Earth’ Source: Japan Times, Nov 21, 2018 PARIS, Nov 21, 2018 – Billions of euros …

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“Largest Wildlife Crime in Europe”, Natural History Museum, London

You are probably completely unaware of the largest wildlife crime in Europe By Josh Davis First published 11 October 2018 on nhm.ac.uk Europe’s largest wildlife …

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Act NOW: tell the European Commission to keep our water law strong!

#ProtectWater A lot of things go into making your favourite beer, but it all starts with good quality water. But Europe’s water sources are deteriorating …

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SEG Standard available in 4 languages (FRA, GER, NL, ENG)

The SEG Standard, Version 6.0, valid from 21 June 2018 is available in the following languages. Please click language to download pdf documents!      Please write …

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European eel found in Japanese eel dishes

European eel found in Japanese eel dishes According to news and Japanese Yahoo! (headlines.yahoo.co.jp), European eel (Anguilla anguilla) was found in eel dishes of food …

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Eels on Japanese market are not traceable!

Study by GREENPEACE Japan reveals that the majority of the eels sold in Japan are not traceable The study shows that “for 11 of 16 …

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Partnership Working at Cyfarthfa Park Lake, Wales, gives the Critically Endangered European Eel hope for the future

Conservation groups get together to give a new home to the critically endangered European Eel at Cyfarthfa Park Lake, Merthyr Tydfil.   Media Release    …

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New publication by W Dekker on history of commercial eel fisheries

The history of commercial fisheries for European eel commenced only a century ago Source: Fisheries Management and Ecology, https://doi.org/10.1111/fme.12302 Authors: Dekker W Abstract. The stock of …

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Assessment of the eel stock in Sweden, spring 2018

In summer 2018, all EU-members will report to the EU-Commission on the status of their eel stocks, and the effect of their national Eel Management …

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Greenpeace Japan: Eel sourcing “like a black box”

Greenpeace Japan: Eel sourcing “like a black box” By Chris Loew source: seafoodsource.com June 26, 2018. Greenpeace Japan is highlighting the prevalence of illegally-sourced eel …

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New study compares stocking glass eels and farmed eels

Bigger is better in eel stocking measures? Comparison of growth performance, body condition, and benefit-cost ratio of simultaneously stocked glass and farmed eels in a …

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New publications on Leptocephali abundance & drift

Modeling the drift of European (Anguilla anguilla) and American (Anguilla rostrata) eel larvae during the year of spawning Journal: Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic …

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Experts call for EU action to tackle the illegal eel market

Experts call for EU action to tackle the illegal eel market ‘Save the European Eel’ event at European Parliament examined eel smuggling Brussels, June 20, …

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Die Sustainable Eel Group veröffentlicht neuen Standard für eine verantwortliche Aalwirtschaft

21 Juni 2018. Die Sustainable Eel Group (SEG) hat den neuen SEG Standard für die bestmögliche Praxis für die kommerzielle Aalwirtschaft veröffentlicht. Der SEG Standard …

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New standard for a Responsible Eel Sector published

READ press press release in FRANCAIS and DEUTSCH 21 June 2018. The Sustainable Eel Group (SEG) has published a new standard for best practice in …

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Japan, South Korea, Taiwan to maintain current glass eel quotas

Japan, South Korea, Taiwan to maintain current glass eel quotas By Undercurrent News June 11, 2018 Japan, South Korea and Taiwan agreed in Tokyo on …

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Japan, South Korea and Taiwan discuss tighter restriction on eel catches

Japan, 08 June 2018. Delegates from Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan have agreed to set up a conference that would look into tighter restrictions on …

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SeafoodSource: NGOs support EU eel evaluation, urge species protections

NGOs support EU eel evaluation, urge species protections Article by: Chris Chase, seafoodsource.com Multiple NGOs – including Pew Charitable Trusts, WWF, and Good Fish Foundation – …

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Maine closes elver fishery

MAY 23, 2018 BY NICK WALKER Article was originally published @eeltown.org please click here for UPDATES BREAKING NEWS – Maine closes elver fishery   Very …

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SEG’s response to the European Commission’s Roadmap on the evaluation of the Eel Regulation

SEG’s response to the European Commission’s Roadmap on the evaluation of the Eel Regulation DOWNLOAD pdf document 11 May 2018. The eel stock all over …

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New LE MONDE article on glass eel trafficking

New LE MONDE article on glass eel trafficking You can download pdf file in English below: ENGLISH (google translated)

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– Fish need to migrate! – Joint Statement for World Fish Migration Day 2018

Joint Statement, 21 April 2018 World Fish Migration Day (WFMD) Fish need to migrate! Animals across the globe fly, swim, walk or drift in their …

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Trafficking Threatens Eel Recovery

Trafficking Threatens Eel Recovery Sustainable Eel Group, 06 April 2018 Recent successful operations mounted by Spanish and Portuguese Police, with support from Europol, have brought …

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New report on the catch of Japanese glass eel and its import

CITES CoP 17 decided to investigate whether it is sustainable trade also for non-listed eel species (Dec 17.186-189). The Japanese eel is a non-listed species, …

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Roadmap on the evaluation of the eel regulation has been published

Roadmap on the evaluation of the eel regulation has been published Roadmaps aim to inform citizens and stakeholders about the Commission’s work to allow them …

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New SEG report: Eel Restocking for Conservation Hits Difficulties

New SEG report: Eel Restocking for Conservation Hits Difficulties It is 10 years since the EU Regulation to protect and restore the European eel stock …

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Biggest glass eel seizure ever in Portugal!

ASAE makes the biggest seizure ever in Portugal 28 March 2018 – 17:19 by Paulo Moreira Mesquita Translated by google itools. Please click here for …

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EU Fails to Prevent Illegal Eel Trafficking

EU Fails to Prevent Illegal Eel Trafficking Reader Contribution by PR Newswire | 3/23/2018 11:51:00 AM original article published at motherearthnews.com The Sustainable Eel Group …

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TRAFFIC report highlights significance of eel trade from North Africa

EASTWARD BOUND. Analysis of CITES-listed flora and fauna exports from Africa to East and Southeast Asia Eel related information were extracted from (click title for …

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Criminals Trafficked 110 Million Eels to Asia so far this Season

available languages (please click) German Spanish French English Dutch Sustainable Eel Group (SEG): Criminals Trafficked 110 Million Eels to Asia so far this Season The Sustainable Eel Group (SEG) calls …

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Wildlife trafficking is crippling the planet (Catherine Bearder @MEP4wildlife)

Wildlife trafficking is crippling the planet Please read the full article on EURACTIV.COM EXCERPT (…) Here in Europe, we have our own critically endangered species. …

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Catches in A japonica remain super low and prices extremely high

Higher prices expected amid plunge in glass eel catches in Japan asianews.network TOKYO (The Japan News/ANN) – Catches of glass eel, or juvenile Japanese eel, …

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SEG’s response to CITES review of Appendix II listing (European eel)

CITES Review of the implementation and  effectiveness of the Appendix II listing of the European eel (Notification No. 2018/018, 1 February 2018) https://cites.org/sites/default/files/notif/E-Notif-2018-018.pdf https://cites.org/sites/default/files/notif/E-Notif-2018-018-A1.docx https://cites.org/sites/default/files/notif/E-Notif-2018-018-A2.docx …

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East Asia’s glass eel catch falls from 60 tons to 1

East Asia’s baby eel catch falls from 60 tons to 1 Industry fears ‘the start of complete resource depletion’ TAKUMI SASAKI, Nikkei staff writer Source: …

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Japan might face record low in glass eel catches

Japan Facing Extremely Poor Catches of Baby Eels Tokyo, Jan. 17 (Jiji Press)—Catches of juvenile Japanese eels have been extremely low in the current fishing …

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NEW Report on the scale eel trafficking released

Quantifying the illegal trade in European glass eels (Anguilla anguilla): Evidences and Indicators SEG-Report:2018-1-V1 Preamble. The brief report summarizes recent findings and available information in …

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Video footage from Police Operations

Operation BLACK GLASS 2016, Guardia Civil/SEPRONA from Sustainable Eel Group (SEG) on Vimeo. Operation ABAIA 2017, Guardia Civil/SEPRONA from Sustainable Eel Group (SEG) on Vimeo.

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Habitat preferences of the critically endangered European eel

Habitat preferences of the critically endangered European eel 22nd December 2017 Read original Article on insideecology.com Tom Fort, in his fascinating ‘The Book of Eels’, …

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JWCS highlights trafficking in Japanese eels within East Asia

Source: Japan Wildlife Conservation Society (JWCS) https://www.jwcs.org/en/themes/species/ There is strong demand for eel in Japan, and the cooked item known as “kabayaki” is sold even …

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Man arrested for trafficking 65 kg of glass eels from Tarifa, Spain to Morocco

Official police press release Detenido un hombre que pretendía traficar con 65 kg de anguilas (pressdigital.es) La Guardia Civil interviene 65 kgrs. de anguilas vivas …

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EU agrees to accelerate the recovery of the European eel

EU agrees to accelerate the recovery of the European eel 13 December 2017 Today, after all-night negotiations, Member States reached a political agreement on a …

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+++ LIVE! AGRIFISH decision: Eel fishing ban 09/2018-01/2019 +++

07:55 CET: Live press conference, now available as stream here 08:00 CET: Good morning, as we understood from the AGRIFISH press conference, marine eel fishing …

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1:50 PM CET – Eel ban likely to be rejected by EU ministers

Eel ban likely to be rejected by EU ministers — By Kait Bolongaro, POLITICO 12/11/17, 1:50 PM CET A European Commission proposal to ban eel …

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Trafficking makes eels ‘as valuable as cocaine’

Trafficking makes eels ‘as valuable as cocaine’ by Lewis Smith iNews Black market trafficking of eel is soaring with the critically endangered fish so valuable …

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Stakeholder reactions to EC’s proposed eel fishing ban

On 11 and 12 December 2017, European fishery ministers will meet for Agriculture and Fisheries Council (AGRIFISH) to discuss and decide about a new eel …

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Mystery of the eel: Europe’s own ivory trade

Mystery of the eel: Europe’s own ivory trade By Paola Tamma | EURACTIV.com The European Commission has proposed a ban on eel fishing in the …

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SEG Calls to Launch an Evaluation of the EU Eel Regulation

SEG Calls on EU Council of Ministers to Mandate the Commission to Launch an Evaluation of the EU Eel Regulation 21 November 2017 Download the …

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CITES will discuss two documents on eel trafficking in Geneva

On Thursday 30 Nov 2017, the CITES Standing Committee will discuss documents SC69Doc.47.1 and SC69Doc.47.2 in Geneva Please access the documents here: SC69Doc.47.1 SC69Doc.47.2

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Eels in Japan; Habitat status, aquaculture and trade in Japan. November 2017

Eels in Japan; Habitat status, aquaculture and trade in Japan Japan Wildlife Conservation Society November 2017 Download full document in English Download full document in Spanish …

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SEG’s statement on the EC’s proposal concerning eel fisheries ban

07 Nov 2017. The Commissions’ proposal to stop eel fishing in marine waters will now go to the Fisheries Ministers in early December and on …

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European Commission published revised proposal on eel fishing ban

Brussels, 7.11.2017 COM(2017) 645 final Proposal for a COUNCIL REGULATION Fixing for 2018 the fishing opportunities for certain fish stocks and groups of fish stocks, …

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ICES WGEEL Report 2017 online (read executive summary)

The recruitment of European eel from the ocean remained low in 2017. The glass eel recruitment compared to the 1960 –1979 was only 1.6% in …

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CITES statement on sustainable use of wildlife

At CMS in Manila a joint statement with CITES has been published. “CITES is a legally binding international agreement that regulates international trade in wildlife. …

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Shining a light on the loss of rheophilic fish habitat in lowland rivers as a forgotten consequence of barriers, and its implications for management

Shining a light on the loss of rheophilic fish habitat in lowland rivers as a forgotten consequence of barriers, and its implications for management Authors: …

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Historic weir bypass opens to help fish reach habitat for first time in over 170 years

13 October 2017. Ribble Rivers Trust have celebrated the completion of their river improvement project on the River Hyndburn which will allow migrating salmon, trout and …

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EU submits a list of 49 eel seizures to CITES

Original language: English SC69 Doc. 47.2 CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA Sixty-ninth meeting of the Standing Committee Geneva …

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EU countries throw out Baltic Sea eel ban

EU countries throw out Baltic Sea eel ban Source: Kait Bolongaro, POLITICO 10/10/17, 6:48 AM CET LUXEMBOURG — EU countries today struck out a proposal …

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SEG calls for the establishment of an International body for Eel Management

On 9-10 October, EU Fisheries Ministers are provisionally scheduled to consider adoption of a European Commission proposal (1) which would ban eel fishing in the …

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Updates about dam removal activities in Europe

Knowledge network On 25 & 26 September we, jointly with the Environment Agency of England and the Severn River Trust, organized a workshop on Dam Removal …

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A fishing ban will not safe the eel

A fishing ban will not safe the eel “Forskningen säger ja till fiskeristopp för ål” [Science says YES to a ban on eel fishing] was …

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European Eel Regulation – 10th anniversary but no cause for celebration

European Eel Regulation – 10th anniversary but no cause for celebration The European Eel has come sharpely into focus this month with the European Commission’s …

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SLU Aqua´s comments on the EU Commission proposal for a fishing ban on eel in the Baltic Sea

SLU Aqua´s comments on the EU Commission proposal for a fishing ban on eel in the Baltic Sea PUBLISHED: 31 AUGUST 2017 Following a multi-decadal …

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Series of eel seizures was conducted in Mainland China last spring

As far as we can identify from Chinese websites, the following seizures were conducted in Spring 2017 in Mainland China: On 24 March 2017, Guangzhou …

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North Africa as a source for European eel following the 2010 EU CITES eel trade ban

North Africa as a source for European eel following the 2010 EU CITES eel trade ban author: Vincent Nijman source: Marine Policy 85 (2017) 133–137 …

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NSAC advice concerning the state of the European eel

Letter to the Director General of Fisheries Concerning the State of the European Eel  DOWNLOAD NSAC Advice Ref.13-1617 This advice was approved by the NSAC …

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SEG’s perspective on EC’s announcement to ban eel fishing in the Baltic Sea

London, 31 August 2017. The European Eel is the most wide-spread fish stock in Europe, an appreciated food resource, and an important element in biodiversity …

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ICES WKEELDATA REPORT 2017 online!

ICES WHEELDATA REPORT 2017 Executive Summary. A Workshop on Designing an Eel Data Call (WKEELDATA), (chaired by: Caroline Durif, Norway), met in Rennes, France, from …

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New Zealand: Project aims for sustainable eel farming

Project Tuna Investigating the potential for an eel aquaculture industry original article at ruraldelivery.net Eel aquaculture has been the subject of debate in New Zealand …

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North Sea cod stocks to be labelled as sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council for the first time in 20 years

Sustainable British cod on the menu after stocks recover Excerpt. “Stocks of cod in the North Sea were once one of the world’s great fisheries …

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‘Eelevator’ project gives American eels a lift

‘Eelevator’ project gives American eels a lift An “eelevator” designed and built by a team including Cornell researchers is helping American eels survive their harrowing …

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VIDEO series on eel fishing, consumption, restocking and trade (ARTE television)

ARTE video series: “Anguilles: l’entrange trafic d’un poisson pas comme les autres” Direction: Marcus Pfeil, Stephan Arapovic Author: Marcus Pfeil Episodes (click pics to play episodes) …

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Improving yellow eel upstream movements with fish lifts

Improving yellow eel upstream movements with fish lifts Authors: Santos JA, Rivaes R, Oliveira J, Ferreira T JOURNAL OF ECOHYDRAULICS, 2016 http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/24705357.2016.1234341 Abstract: Fragmentation of …

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PROTECT THE EELS! (Video)

‘Protect The Eels’ is a film made by Pinch Me! Productions. It is an animated journey into the hidden ecologies of the River Avon as …

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BBC The One Show about eels featuring SEG chairman Andrew Kerr

BBC The One Show about eels featuring SEG chairman Andrew Kerr from Sustainable EEl Group (SEG) on Vimeo.

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ICES Special Request Advice concerning fisheries impacts on eels in marine waters

ICES Special Request Advice Northeast Atlantic Published 8 May 2017 sr.2017.08 EU request to provide advice on fisheries-related anthropogenic impacts on eels in EU marine …

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SEG welcomes TRAFFIC’s efforts against illegal eel trade in the Philippines!

Nueva Vizcaya, the Philippines, May 2017–80 representatives from local Customs and enforcement agencies attended a workshop on “Effective law enforcement implementation to avert illegal trade …

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UK glass eel season coming to an end

Season coming to an end the big tides pushed the elvers over Tewkesbury weir that means a massive escapement for them most will survive now …

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Dutch authorities seize 72 kg glass eel at Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam

view original article in dutch Translation by Google, edited Dutch authorities seize 72 kg glass eel at Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam 2017-04-17. Inspectors from the Dutch …

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Las Tramas del cristal negro: el tráfico de angulas se sofistica

Las Tramas del cristal negro: el tráfico de angulas se sofistica read original article in Spanish on eldiario.es automatically translated by Google translate “Suculenta”, “Suculencias”, “Black …

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Report on eel trafficking on BBC Midlands Today (12.04.2017)

 “There are fears that smugglers might target baby eels on the River Severn after the UK Border Force uncovered the first large incident of smuggling. …

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BBC video on trafficking in European eels

BBC Shropshire on Twitter: “Baby eels living in the River Severn are being targeted by smugglers. Thousands of elvers were released into the river three …

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Restocking in state Brandenburg provides 6 Million eels for the goals of the Elbe River Eel Management Plan (Germany)

Restocking in state Brandenburg provides 6 Million eels for the goals of the Elbe River Eel Management Plan (Germany) 12 April 2017. Between March and …

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Important telemetry study: Movement of dead fish in rivers

Movement of dead fish in rivers Authors: Havn TB, Økland F, Teichert MAK, Heermann L, Borcherding J, Sæther SA, Tambets M, Diserud OH, Thorstad EB Source: Animal …

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The slippery world of eel smuggling, Europe’s illegal and booming trade

The slippery world of eel smuggling, Europe’s illegal and booming trade Author: Joe Shute Source: The Telegraph ,12.03.2017 Last week when Border Force officials apprehended …

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Programme International Eel Science Symposium (13-15 June 2017)

Tuesday 13 June 2017 Session Chair: TBC Session 1 ‘Setting the Scene’ 09:30 Andy Don Environment Agency (UK) Welcome from the Symposium Steering Group 09:40 …

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Dismantlement of an international organization devoted to the illegal trade in elvers/ baby eels

Dismantlement of an international organization devoted to the illegal trade in elvers/ baby eels Ministerio Del Interior EUROPOL Dirrección General De La Guardia Civil The …

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Trafficking route from Spain via Italy and Greece to Hong Kong

According to Spanish Newspaper El Pais, the Spanish company Angulas y Mariscos Roset from Tarragona in Spain operated the trade network with partners near Athens …

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17 arrested for smuggling glass eels worth EUR 10 million from Europe to China

17 arrested for smuggling glass eels worth EUR 10 million 08.03.2017 EUROPOL Thanks to @Europol @guardiacivil 17 arrested for smuggling glass eels to Asia worth …

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Man from Chessington caught with 600,000 live glass eels worth £1.2 Million on 15 February

Man arrested in Chessington for ‘trying to smuggle 600,000 live endangered eels’ at Heathrow Author: Rachel Dickerson Source: The Guardian The eels were hidden under …

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How to Contribute to the SEG Standard Review

Can you help the recovery of the European Eel? How to contribute to the review of the Sustainable Eel Standard 24 February 2017 The Sustainable …

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Mission Impossible Almost Achieved – working together to save the European Eel

See below the views of Eel leaders drawn from Science, Conservation and Commercial interests who are all working together for the recovery of the European …

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Letter from Le Comité national des pêches maritimes et des élevages marins (CNPMEM) concerning traceability in European eels

Letter from Le Comité national des pêches maritimes et des élevages marins  (CNPMEM) concerning traceability in European eels French professional fisheries: a strong link to …

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Major police operation across Europe smashed international eel trafficking network

Thousand euros per kilo earnings from Trafficking Article by ΙΩΑΝΝΑ ΜΑΝΔΡΟΥ, Greece 07 February 2017  (translated by Google Translate, edited by A Kerr) Serious charges for …

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“Our eel stock, is it slowly drying up?” – video presentation by Wille Dekker

Watch the video presentation (44min) by Willem Dekker at the Natural History Museum in Stockholm, October 2016: “Our eel stock, is it slowly drying up?”

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History of publications concerning glass eel trafficking

2017-12-15 Prison avec sursis et amendes pour trafic de civelles agrisalon.com 2017-12-15 Two men sentenced in baby eel trafficking scheme bangordailynews.com 2017-12-08 Des braconniers de …

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Spanish police operation against glass eel trafficking

The environmental unit of the Spanish Guardia Civil, SEPRONA ran a major police operation and arrested a Spanish glass eel trader. Read the story here

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Dutch project (EELRIC) aims to develop methods for the propagation of eel

Eel research at Wageningen will be further expanded in 2017. Wageningen University & Research has started a public-private partnership within the Agri & Food top …

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Management of the eel is slipping through our hands!

Management of the eel is slipping through our hands! Distribute control and orchestrate national protection Author: Willem Dekker source: ICES Journal of Marine Science (2016) …

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Commentary on study that reveals presence of 4 eel species in UK sushi

Sushi barcoding in the UK: another kettle of fish Authors: Vandammen SG, Griffiths AM, Taylor S-A, Di Muri CD, Hankard EA, Towne JA, Watson M, …

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One in six fish estimated to be caught illegally (FAO)

Illegal fishing: one in six fish estimated to be caught illegally By Heather Chinn on fish2fork.com For every six tonnes of seafood taken from the …

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Progress review on the artificial glass eel production for Japanese eel

Progress review on the artificial glass eel production and the nutritional research for Japanese eel, Anguilla japonica by Hamidoghli A,  Bai SC, Leea S, Kim …

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Call for papers for the First International Eel Science Symposium (13-15 June 2017)

This is the first call for papers for the First International Eel Science Symposium. Closing date for submissions – 31st December 2016. The Symposium aims to …

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A look at the global eel trade from a Japanese perspective

F.Stein on Twitter: “Excellent read on illegal glass eel trade from a Japanese perspective! @TRAFFIC_WLTrade @thedmbaker @EelGroup https://t.co/TpJ3Wwvvzi / Twitter” Excellent read on illegal glass …

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Did aluminium contamination caused the eel stock decline?

The Eeluminium Project: A new hope for saving the European eel population from extinction A new hypothesis: Could the decline in eel numbers be due …

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Exploring the Challenge of First-Feeding European Eels in Captivity

Exploring the Challenge of First-Feeding European Eels in Captivity DENMARK – Rearing European eels in captivity throughout their life cycle in a complex task, hampered …

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River Severn to benefit from £19.4 million funding boost

River Severn to benefit from £19.4 million funding boost Almost £20 million has been granted to a scheme that aims to open up miles of …

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Is glass eel migration guided by pheromones of conspecifics?

Donor life stage influences juvenile American eel Anguilla rostrata attraction to conspecific chemical cues Authors: Galbraith HS, Blakeslee CJ, Schmucker AK, Johnson NS, Hansen MJ, …

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Living Planet Report 2016 reveals 81 % decline in LPI for freshwater species (1970-2012)

“Freshwater habitats – such as lakes, rivers and wetlands – carry immense importance for life on Earth. Freshwater accounts for only 0.01 per cent of …

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7 men plead guilty for illegally trading American eels

Seven Men Plead Guilty for Illegally Harvesting and Selling American Eels Between the dates of October 4 and October 6, seven individuals pleaded guilty in Federal …

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NEW Report of the Working Group on Eels (WGEEL)!

ICES WGEEL REPORT 2016 ICES ADVISORY COMMITTEE ICES CM 2016/ACOM:19 REF. ACOM, WGRECORDS, SSGEF, FAO, EIFAAC, GFCM Report of the Working Group on Eels (WGEEL) …

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37.3% of the declared European glass eel catches “disappear”

New ICES WGEEL REPORT reveals that 37.3% of the declared European glass eel catches in 2015/2016 “disappear” with unknown destination Conclusions to glass eel trade …

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Two media articles following the “The long and dangerous road to the Sargasso Sea”

READ article on The Conservation by Andy Harrison (BU) READ article on BBC by Helen Briggs (@hbriggs)

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The long and dangerous road to the Sargasso Sea

Empirical observations of the spawning migration of European eels: The long and dangerous road to the Sargasso Sea Authors: Righton D, Westerberg H, Feunteun E, …

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Pollutants in consumers of eel from polluted rivers compared to marketable eel

Accumulation of persistent organic pollutants in consumers of eel from polluted rivers compared to marketable eel Authors: van den Dungen MW, Kok DE, Polder A, …

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SEG welcomes that EU draft decisions were accepted at CITES Cop 17!

the EU draft decisions contain: promote international or regional cooperation on a species-by-species basis, including the  convening  of  regional  meetings  to  discuss  how  to  fill  …

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‘More research needed’ – Report of the Workshop on Eel Stocking (WKSTOCKEEL)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The ICES Workshop on Eel Stocking (WKSTOCKEEL), chaired by Derek Evans, UK, met in Toomebridge, N. Ireland, UK, 20–24 June 2016. This workshop …

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The 1st International Eel Science Symposium ‘Science into Management’, 13-17 June 2017

The Symposium aims to provide a global forum for scientists and researchers to present the latest data and initiatives on the biology and management of …

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SEG Defining the Intended Change (Theory of Change Model)

Theory of Change Model The SEG Vision Healthy wild eel populations distributed throughout their natural range fulfilling their role in the aquatic environment and supporting …

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Illegal trade in European eels highlighted by the European Commission

On 08 September 2016, C. Griffin, Wetlands International (Conservation leader for SEG) and F. Stein (SEG) participated at the ‘Workshop on Delivering and Enforcing the …

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EU Recommendation for the Conservation of and Trade in Anguilla

EU Recommendation for the Conservation of and Trade in Anguilla spp. Seventeenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties, Johannesburg (South Africa), 24 September – …

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Journal of Applied Ecology – Historical data to plan the recovery of the European Eel

Click here to read Historical data to plan the recovery of the European Eel by Miguel Clavero and Virgilio Hermoso.

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European eel management needs to be refocussed!

New article by Willem Dekker: “Management of the eel is slipping through our hands! Distribute control and orchestrate national protection” in ICES Journal of Marine …

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Fishermen welcome the dismantling of an important glass eels traffic!

Les Sables d’Olonne, 3rd of June 2016 Following the dismantling of a glass eels traffic, individuals in charge of a fish trading company operating in …

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Eel larvae hatch at Wageningen University Campus

Wageningen University & Research Centre makes rapid progress in research into the artificial reproduction of eels. Wageningen, June 28, 2016. After a mere six months of …

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Press Release: Dismantling of international traffic in glass eels

The French National Committee for Maritime Fisheries and Marine Fish Farming (CNPMEM) and the French National Committee for Freshwater Professional Fishing (CONAPPED) have formed a …

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Police seizes criminal assets and arrests 9 in illegal eel trafficking operation

Concurrently with the SEG Conference on May 31st in London, where major evidence was presented exposing the extensive illegal trafficking of eels, the French police …

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Press Invitation: “The illegal Trafficking of Eels to Asia is Europe’s own Ivory Trade”

The Sustainable Eel Group (SEG) has made an extensive study into the last 6 months of trade in glass eels and has identified a vast …

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Illegal eel traders arrested in Madrid

Eight people have been arrested by the Guardia Civil, and another three are under investigation in connection with the illegal export of over 2.5 tons …

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SEG Conference: exposing illegal trafficking of European eels

On May 31, 2016, the Sustainable Eel Group will present the findings of extensive research and evidence of investigations of illegal trafficking of European eels …

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Press release: Restocking is crucial in the European eels’ recovery

Eel Restocking across Europe in 2016 The European eel (Anguilla anguilla) is among the most important fish species. It once represented over 50% of the …

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The battle against illegal trade continues

The Guardian’s Emma Bryce further investigates the illegal trade of European eel in a new article. Bryce wrote her first post on the topic in …

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New method introduced to boost eel population

BBC published a video to show a new way conservationists in the West Country help baby eels navigate through rivers. Read the full article and …

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Well attended eel conference in Germany

The German eel-organization, Initiative zur Förderung des Europäischen Aales e.V. (IFEA), organized a successful eel-conference in Potsdam, close to Berlin. Scientists, NGO’s, Government and industry …

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Germany Launches Eel Stewardship Fund

The German organization for the eel industry, Initiative zur Förderung des Europäischen Aals e.V. (IFEA), has started an eel fund. The International Eel Stewardship Fund® …

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Stop illegal trade and boost restocking

Last week The Guardian wrote an article about the large-scale, illegal European eel-trade. Every year tens of millions of juvenile eels disappear to Asia. Since …

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New evidence published showing hydropower mortality and importance of translocation in Sweden

Hydropower turbines are largest cause of eel mortality in Sweden Most freshwater eels in Swedish waterways have been transported in from UK and France Critical …

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Guardian Environment blog on eel fishery

The Guardian blogger Emma Bryce wrote a blog about the European eel fishery and how it is beset by illegal trade. Bryce spoke with Andrew …

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Ellie meets the Elvermen – BBC Countryfile looks at eel sustainability

The importance of sustainable eel practices was discussed in depth on the BBC’s flagship Countryfile show this week. Presenter Ellie Harrison joined elvermen, the Environment …

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Eel heroes recognised at SEG’s 5th anniversary conference

Five leading figures behind the development and progress of the sustainable eel movement were recognised during the SEG 5th Anniversary conference at Fishmonger’s Hall this …

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Despair turns to hope – European eel leaders told at SEG 5th Anniversary

The significant increases in elver recruitment in recent years, and the accelerating support for sustainability across Europe, are giving renewed hope for the eel – …

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BBC discuss eel migration

The BBC have again been out filming the work of SEG, this time discussing the great eel migration to Europe and the issues of blocked …

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ICES – ‘Fishery at current level probably has little direct influence on aquatic ecosystems’

ICES has reported three years in a row of increasing glass eel recruitment and illustrates that in the 2013 – 2014 season the levels attained …

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EU Commission report: “Address the Environmental Issues for eel recovery”

The latest European Commission report to the Council and European Parliament makes a strong call for further attention on environmental actions for the eel.

Published on 21 October 2014 it indicates that some EU members states have been slow to implement conservation measures in their Eel Management Plans, and says “More attention should be given to management measures related to non-fishing anthropogenic mortality factors”, including hydropower and pumping stations, habitat loss or degradation, pollution, diseases and parasites – “the majority of which have only been partially implemented by member states.”

The report goes on to explain the difficulties of measuring eel population and concludes that there is an urgent need ‘for solid estimates’ and a new estimation of stock indicators.

Andrew Kerr, SEG Chairman said “Following the huge increases of glass eel recruitment to the Bay of Biscay and the River Severn in 2013 and 2014, SEG believes nature has been unable to make best use of this abundance because so many natural eel migration pathways remain blocked. The translocation of 90 million plus eel in 2014 as a restocking conservation measure, whilst being highly commendable, cannot be regarded as a lasting or sustainable solution.

Overall, SEG welcomes the fact that the debate is no longer centred on fishery restrictions (we strongly believe that the best solutions for the eel’s recovery require a vibrant sustainable fishery across Europe) and that further research will be conducted to give a more accurate picture of eel populations.”

The full report is available here

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UK’s east coast sees huge increase in elver numbers

Following the huge increase in the number of elvers arriving in the UK’s western estuaries this year, reports have been published of a massive increase …

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100,000 juvenile eels introduced to Wiltshire Avon in emergency conservation boost

SEG has launched a major project with Bristol Avon Rivers Trust to increase the number of European Eels in the River Avon. Nearly 100,000 juvenile …

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SEG on Channel 4 ‘Food Unwrapped’

This week Channel 4’s Food Unwrapped programme interviewed SEG as part of an insightful film looking at jellied eel sales in the UK. SEG took …

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SEG welcomes latest IUCN assessment

Welcoming the latest IUCN assessment of the European Eel, SEG Chairman Andrew Kerr said: “We are very encouraged by the IUCN’s detailed report, which finds …

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Zac Goldsmith MP and Lord de Mauley support week of SEG restocking

Thousands of elvers restocked by Zac Goldsmith MP and Lord de Mauley, Environment Minister 90+ million juvenile eels rescued & re-homed across Europe A massive …

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BBC film on huge increase in glass eel recruitment

A film showing the incredible increase in the number of glass eels arriving in the UK has appeared on the BBC’s flagship Springwatch programme. Having …

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Eels in the News: Daily Telegraph is latest to tell SEG story

SEG’s restocking initiatives on the Parrett and Severn continue apace – and the media coverage continues! This morning’s Daily Telegraph has a big feature on …

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31 March – UK’s biggest ever initiative to help endangered eels

UK’s biggest ever initiative to help endangered eels starts on River Parrett on Monday night (31 March) Fishermen will try to catch 1 million baby …

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New research into European Eel predation

Important new research into predation of the European Eel Evidence on its marine migration has just been published. An abstract is below, the full report …

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New BBC film on Eel

The BBC’s Inside Out programme in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire ran an excellent film on eel this week. The show looked at the work of SEG, …

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SEG welcomes new EA paper “Delivering our Duties for Eel”

The Environment Agency has published a position paper ‘Delivering our Duties for Eel; our Ambition for Eel in England’ dated January 2014, which is available …

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Eels in the news… some recent stories from around the world

Eels have been making news all over the world recently for several different reasons, including Governments in North and Central America introducing new fishing controls. …

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Compelling research shows huge number of eels being killed by unscreened water pumps & turbines

“Pumping stations may significantly threaten escapement targets set in eel management plans” concludes a detailed study titled ‘Mortality of European eel after downstream migration through …

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“French catches offer promise of bumper year for threatened eel”

The national press in the UK have started to talk about the record numbers of glass eels that have been arriving in France recently. Articles …

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Silver eel migration on BBC Autumnwatch

There was an excellent film on silver eel migration and the challenges of blocked migratory pathways last night on BBC Autumnwatch. Click here to link …

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SEG 2013 Newsletter is published

All of the latest news and views on eel has been packed into the new 2013 SEG newsletter. Happy reading and have a great Christmas!

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River Teme joins UK campaign to boost eel population

The River Teme in Ludlow and surrounding waterways have received 25,000 juvenile eels in the latest SEG initiative to help eels return to abundance. On …

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European eels return to River Segura, Spain

Media in Spain are reporting that eels have returned to the Segura River, South East Spain, for the first time in over 10 years. Full …

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Lincolnshire rivers welcome 20,000 new eels

The River Lymn and surrounding waterways welcomed 20,000 new juvenile eels yesterday as part of a major UK initiative to help eels return to abundance. …

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South West kicks off major UK initiative to boost international eel population

A major £45,000 initiative to boost stocks of young eels in the UK launched at Blagdon Lake on Monday 30 September when 25,000 juvenile eels …

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Eel restocking on BBC1

The European Eel starred in the final episode of “Britain’s Big Wildlife Revival” last night on BBC1. In a programme dedicated to the UK’s Wetlands, …

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Seafoodsource.com: “Support grows for the European Eel”

SeafoodSource contributing editor Jason Holland has examined the issues facing the European Eel. In a detailed feature, he summarises: “There are many elements conspiring against …

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European Parliament debates sustainability of eel stocks

The European Parliament today debated improvements to eel sustainability in Europe, and released the following statement: Parliament demands tougher rules to save the European eel …

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SEG project praised in BBC R4 programme on Sustainability

The work of SEG members on the River Severn was described as “amazing” today by a reporter on the BBC’s flagship ‘Shared Planet’ series on …

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“Developing the Sustainable Solution” presentation published

SEG’s rapid progress and achievements were outlined to the IFM European Eel Conference in London last month.

The full presentation is now available London Eel Conference slides June 2013

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Revised Sustainable Eel Standard launched

Details of the revised Sustainable Eel Standard have been published as momentum grows across Europe Sustainable Eel Standard June 2013

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Full content of 2013 European Eel conference is published

Following the success of the European Eel Conference in London last month, the Institute of Fisheries Management has published all of the presentations that were …

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SEG in the News: Andrew Kerr chats to Chris Evans; Ben Fogle visits the Severn Estuary for the Elver Harvest

Nearly 10 million listeners of the BBC’s Chris Evans Breakfast Show learned all about the work of the Sustainable Eel Group this morning, when Chris …

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SEG hails unity of biggest ever European eel conference

The largest ever conference of European academics, politicians and eel specialists has concluded in London with a resounding message from delegates – that the adoption …

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Political support grows for sustainable eel plans

–          UK Minister echoes call for more action to help eels reach crucial inland waterways –          Record migration in 2013, but tiny ‘elvers’ still face …

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Eel Over the Dike

DUPAN released over 4600 eels over dikes in North Holland and Zeeland.  See their full report here: http://www.dupan.nl/nl/nieuws/ruim-4-600-palingen-veilig–over-de-dijk–gezet/

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31 Dutch Farms and Smokehouses are presented with their SEG Certificates

On the 9th April Andrew and David presents 31 SEG Certificates to Dutch Farms and Smokehouses as three quarters of the Dutch trade demonstrates its …

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The Wishing Eel and Other Grim Tales

Gill Macdonald has written a book entitled ‘ The Wishing Eel and Other Grim Tales’. Closely based on the Common Eel, the Wishing Eel is …

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Saving Species on BBC Radio 4

David Bunt talks to Radio 4 about the challenges facing the European Eel. You can listen to the interview here:  Saving Species

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IMPORTANT: Open Letter to members of PECH

The following letter has been sent to the 20 MEPs who make up the PECH Committee of the European Parliament: Dear (Member of  PESH – …

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The Rivers Trust E Newsletter

You can view the winter edition of the Rivers Trust E-Newsletter No. 24

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SEG Working Closely with French Colleagues

The SEG Chairman Andrew Kerr recently expressed support for conservation action in France. Letter to Madam le Minister: I am writing to introduce you to …

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European Aquaculture: the path for growth

The European Aquaculture Conference 2012 was held in La Coruña, Spain, on 23 November 2012. You can view presentations and proceedings from the conference by …

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Rivers Trust Living North Sea Conference

The eel featured strongly at the Rivers Trust Living North Sea Conference. Important papers on eels were presented by many SEG members. See living North …

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SEG meets the Regional Environment team from Catalonia

Jo Gascoigne from MacAlister Elliott the assessment body, Pilor Vila, Rodolfo Barrera, Jesus Gomet and Jordi Peris

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Ebro Delta

Spain’s famous Ebro Delta that still receives about 5 million glass eels each year – these are caught in sensitive fixed and hand nets and …

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SEG Chairman visit the German Eel Initiative October 2012

10 to 15 million eels are restocked in Germany each year. From left to right: Gert Gotting, Aal-Hof Gotting, Ronald Menzel, Dr. Uwe Brämick (ICES …

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SEG BBC Countryfile

SEG and Severn and Wye Smokery Schools restocking Programme featured on BBC Country File in September 2012 with Julia Bradbury and John Craven. http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01n85xh

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SEG on French and German TV with Sarah Wiener

SEG Chairman Andrew Kerr meets Sarah Weiner to explain the current situation regarding eels across Europe. Follow the link below to view the film on …

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Restocking in Juelsminde Fjord in Denmark

The Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, Mr Henrik Høegh restocking Juelsminde Fjord in Denmark with 80,000 fish from Royal Danish Aquaculture. The Danish Minister …

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Tour du Valat

SEG Chairman visited Tour du Valat March 2012 to meet Dr Alain Crevelli and to learn about their research into eels and Mediterranean lagoons

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Eels released in project to stem population slump

Thousands of young eels have been released into a lake at the launch of a decades-long project to save the mysterious fish from a catastrophic population slump. …

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Meet the UK Chairman!

View an interview with the UK chairman – Andrew Kerr – on the Cotswold TV website.

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Restocking at Llangorse

PRESS RELEASE – 25,000 juvenile eels released into Llangorse Lake The European Eel has had a difficult few decades and numbers are right down from …

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Guilt-free eel for diners as new eco label is unveiled

New European standard aims to put pressure on retailers and caterers to buy fish only from sustainable sources. Read the full article on the Guardian …

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Celebrity chef gets a wriggle on to save eels from extinction

Celebrity chef Matt Tebbutt has placed tanks containing 800 eels in his Monmouthshire restaurant in a bid to preserve a fish he says is in danger …

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Conservation sub group meeting

Conservation Sub Group Meeting 3rd February 2011 The Conservation sub group met on the 3rd Feb at ZSL London to review progress on the eel …

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Tagging the eel

It’s an eerie night on the Loire River, in Western France, and we’re on the trail of a mysterious fish. The eel. But after 3 …

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EU COM clamps down on eel exports

The eel population in EU waters has dropped by more than 99 percent in just a few decades, and a campaign to reach 40 percent …

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Sustainable Eel Group: Development of a Habitat Improvement Strategy QUESTIONNAIRE

The Sustainable Eel Group is a charitable group that has been set up with the purpose of encouraging healthy eel populations, distributed throughout their natural …

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Eels assist Loch Ken crayfish fight

Eels could be given a key role in controlling the number of American signal crayfish on a Scots loch. Read the full article on the …

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The decline of the eel

Our rivers once teemed with eels but each year fewer make the 3,000-mile trip to get here. Jon Henley reports on the fight to save …

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Move to set standards for catching the endangered eel

A voluntary code of practice to protect eels from being overfished in Britain and the rest of Europe is expected to be in place by …

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Bypasses seal deal for eels to return to Britain

They are as fragile as their name suggests, yet glass eels survive being hurled about by terrifying storms as they evade sharp-toothed predators on a …

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Plight of eel tackled by new survey

For more than 30 years eels have taken a hammering as their migration up rivers has been blocked by a rash of concrete flood defences …

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Eel sustainability day with Severn & Wye Smokery, UK Glass Eels and Gloucestershire

Support our British Sustainable Eel Richard Cook – Severn and Wye Smokery My boy hood memories of the spring of the year revolve around the …

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Attempted eel breakout

A Tewkesbury man has photographed hundreds of elvers attempting to swim up the River Severn. John de Wet noticed the young eels at the Upper …

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Celebrity chef helps slippery school project

A CELEBRITY chef has taken time out from the kitchen to help Gloucester pupils with a slippery school project. Read the full article here

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Development of habitat improvement strategy

Project Proposal Create a conservation strategy with Sustainable Eel Group partners that identify habitat projects, which offer the most potential for improvement of eel escapement …

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Pro-Eel project aims for self-sustainable aquaculture

The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) has coordinated a EUR 5 million research project called PRO-EEL to reproduce the European eel in captivity. Read the …

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SEG Mission to Hamburg

On the 12 and 13th May delegates from the eel aquaculture industry from across Europe met for the first time ever under the Chairmanship of …

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Paul Eccleston’s article in Fish2Fork

Paul Ecclestone from fish2fork wrote this article following a visit to the Severn 2 May 2010 A full moon brings a racing tide and racing …

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Response from Japanese researcher on artificial propagation

Dear Dr Brian, I offer my apologies for the delay in replying to your e-mail of April 14. We had been awfully busy because so …

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Andrew Kerr on BBC Radio 4

View the article on the BBC website, or listen to Andrew’s interview on the Today program.

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Andy Don’s article in Restaurant Magazine

M&J Seafood has delisted European eel from its catalogue in response to the species being placed on the IUCN Red List of critically endangered species. …

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Europe’s eel stocks ‘under threat’ from export fishing

A campaign to save the eel, the continent’s most threatened common freshwater fish, may be breaking down because French fishermen are exporting too many baby …

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France exports millions of baby eels to China

I am writing to you as the Chairman of the recently formed Sustainable Eel Group. We are a partnership with members drawn from leaders of …

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Environment Agency takes action to protect the beleaguered eel

THE critically endangered European eel is being given a helping hand by the Environment Agency after Parliament stepped in to encourage the species’ recovery. Read …

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The French Eel Management Plan – will there be glass eels for restocking?

The French Eel Management Plan is an important element of the European Eel’s recovery programme as France controls 90% of the supply of baby eels …

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Chairman writes to CITES

Dear CITES Member I am writing to you as the Chairman of the recently formed Sustainable Eel Group. We are a partnership with members drawn …

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LET'S MAKE A DIFFERENCE
HELP US SUPPORT THE RECOVERY OF THE EUROPEAN EEL