27-06-2023 14:30
The implementation of the Eel Regulation 1100/2007
SPINELLI 3G2
The hearing provided evidence and guidance for better implementation of the Eel Regulation. European eel is a migratory species with a unique life cycle. Between their spawning phase and pre-reproductive stage, European eel migrate from the Northwest Atlantic to the coasts of their distribution range and continental waters. European eels are declining globally due to a combination of natural causes and human activity that impact the stock and its habitats at different life stages.
The Eel Regulation (2007) establishes measures for the recovery of the European eel stock. The Eel Regulation obliges Member States with river basins in their national territory that constitute habitats for the eels, to establish and implement Eel Management Plans (EMPs).
In particular, an EMP may contain measures, such as reducing commercial fishing activity, restricting recreational fishing, restocking measures, structural measures to make river passable and improve river habitats, transportation of silver eel from inland waters, combatting predators, measures related to hydro-electric power turbines, aquaculture, as well as any other measure necessary for the achievement of escapement target. This means that management measures should reduce mortality from human activity to ensure the escapement to the sea of at least 40% of adult eels relative to the escapement levels that would have existed in the absence of human influences.
In particular, an EMP may contain measures, such as reducing commercial fishing activity, restricting recreational fishing, restocking measures, structural measures to make river passable and improve river habitats, transportation of silver eel from inland waters, combatting predators, measures related to hydro-electric power turbines, aquaculture, as well as any other measure necessary for the achievement of escapement target. This means that management measures should reduce mortality from human activity to ensure the escapement to the sea of at least 40% of adult eels relative to the escapement levels that would have existed in the absence of human influences.