20 NGOs call upon EU ministers to explain what they will do to protect the eel
CCB • November 23, 2017
The eel is critically endangered. The EU Commission has proposed to ban EU marine catches of adult eels to increase possibilities 
for more mature fish to reach the spawning grounds in Sargasso sea. In a joint letter, 20 NGOs now ask the EU fishery ministers what they will do in addition to stopping the fishery in marine waters since this will not be enough to save the eel. The Commission proposal can only cover marine waters as part of the CFP and TAC and quota discussions, the rest is today up to the Member States.
Read the letter here: NGO letter about eel and upcoming fisheries council 2017
Widespread exploitation of the critically endangered European eel population continues against scientific advice, despite few signs of recovery. Yesterday, the International Exploration of the Sea, ICES, published its scientific advice on fishing opportunities and conservation for European eel for 2026. As in previous years, ICES advises zero catch for all life stages, all uses and in all habitats. The conservation advice is to reduce other human-related mortalities to zero and restore habitats.
EU Council decision on 2026 fishing limits fails to implement legally required safeguards, jeopardising the fragile marine ecosystem