The Somerset Eel Recovery Project is delighted to announce the release of a new booklet summarising the key takeaways from our first Eel Conference. Designed for easy navigation, the book is organised into a series of distinct themes, ensuring that readers can quickly locate the most relevant information without going through the minutes from the talks and apply it to their work.
This book captures the important developments in conservation, water management, and outreach discussed at the conference and being implemented in Somerset more generally. It brings together a rich tapestry of presentations from leading scientists, conservationists, policymakers, and artists.
Speakers included Andrew Kerr, founder of the Sustainable Eel Group, who opened the event by contextualising eel conservation within the broader international landscape. Dr. Willem Dekker, a respected expert on eel biology, shared his deep insights into the evolution of European Eel Management Plans. Other significant contributions came from Andy Don of the Environment Agency, Dr. Mark Everard, who discussed the destruction of wetlands, and artist Julia Manning, who explored the decline of eel populations through an artistic lens.
The book also highlights the innovative grassroots work SERP is involved with, showcasing citizen-science initiatives like eDNA monitoring, analogue straw rope ‘eel pass’ installations, and the ‘Eels in the Classroom’ program, which engaged local children in conservation efforts.
This document is essential for anyone passionate about environmental conservation, offering both scientific and community perspectives on the future of the European eel.
Stay tuned for details on the print run, or hit the link below to take a digital dive into the discussions that could shape the future of European eel conservation.