More than 300 researchers have backed a manifesto demanding that Spanish and European governments stop oil exploitation altogether. european eelTo prevent species extinction. Scientists believe that only a complete ban on eel fishing can guarantee the survival of the species.
European eel (anguilla anguilla) was an extraordinarily abundant fish in Europe and North Africa. But, Around 1980 their population began to decline, dropping by more than 90%.It can be detected at all stages of the species’ complex life cycle.
The sharp decline in the number of eels is also reflected in the reduction of their distribution area, which has affected more than 80% of the Iberian Peninsula in the last 100 years.
The Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the worldwide reference for the conservation status of species, recognizes the European eel as a species. Critically Endangered Species (CR). This is the maximum threat level, one step before extinction.
european eel More endangered than the Iberian imperial eagle, Iberian lynx, giant panda or mountain gorilla, species whose poor state of conservation is much better known. But eels continue to be caught, sold and eaten without their dramatic situation being known to the public.
No usage is valid
Scientists now warn: Any use of eel is unsustainable. “The cessation of commercial activity around the eel does not guarantee its recovery because there are various factors in its collapse. But continuing this use is a guarantee that this recovery will not occur,” warns researcher Miguel Clavero from the Doñana Biological Station – CSIC.
The European Agriculture and Fisheries Council, which sets restrictions on the hunting of different species “He’s been ignoring this advice for more than 20 years.” says the scientist to prohibit its exploitation.
Since 2000, there has been a recommendation to avoid catching eels or bring them to “values as close to zero as possible”. But in both 2022 and 2023, ICES proposed a total ban that should affect all sizes, all seasons, all habitats and all purposes.
Goal: zero capture
Spain’s role in European councils through its Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Maximum possible possibilities for exploitation of eel.
“Spain has the opportunity to change its position and be determined to save the eel from extinction,” says Clavero. The document, now backed by more than 300 researchers, shows that: The zero catch target also means controlling illegal fishing (eel smuggling is the crime against wildlife that moves the most money in the world) and that it is vital to eliminate all marketing of eel products, he said.
The conservation of the European eel also falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Ecological Transition and Demographic Issues. According to science, the European eel is recommended for inclusion in Spain’s Catalog of Endangered Species. The status of the species meets these inclusion conditions and may even be considered a species in Critical Status (SC) according to the criteria published by the ministry itself.
………….
Contact address of the environmental department:[email protected]