The failure of the EU eel management plan
The European eel was once a common sight in our rivers, lakes and coastal waters – but today the situation is very different. Despite the EU’s 2007 Eel Management Plan, stocks continue to decline sharply. What went wrong? And what does it mean for the future of the eel?
A new study, based on fishery-independent trawl surveys, shows that eel abundance in northern European coastal waters has continued to decline sharply over recent decades. This decline raises questions about the effectiveness of national environmental management plans – and about the future of the European eel as a whole.
About the speaker
Henrik Svedäng is a researcher and associate professor in marine ecology, with a particular focus on fish stocks, fisheries management, and how human activities impact marine ecosystems. He is based at the Baltic Sea Centre at Stockholm University and serves as Scientific Coordinator at the Swedish Institute for the Marine Environment at the University of Gothenburg.
His research explores how fish populations change over time, why certain species decline, and how management can be improved to preserve biodiversity and secure future fish resources. He has also been active in public debate on fisheries policy and environmental management, emphasizing the need for more ecosystem-based and long-term approaches.
About Sea and Society Talks
Sea and Society Talks is a lunch seminar series for researchers and ocean professionals, focusing on the challenges for a sustainable development and management of coasts and the sea.
Link to Webinar
Link to zoom webinar will be sent out after registration.