Line of action:

Status:

Execution date:

General Objective:

To improve the conservation of the eel by increasing the level of knowledge of the subpopulations of the coastal area of the Iberian southeast, the advancement in the sustainability of eel fisheries in the Natura 2000 Network and the establishment of the management criteria provided to the regional plans for the management and recovery of the European Eel.

Specific objectives:

1. Evaluate the state of the subpopulations and the use they make of different spaces.
2. Provide data on eel biology and behaviour and establish criteria to ensure escape in coastal wetlands.
3. Evaluate the viability of a captive population and establish management proposals to improve its survival.
4. Evaluate viable monitoring systems and advance knowledge of eel migration routes.
5. Share information with related sectors, in order to improve planning and regulation of fishing for the species.
6. To disseminate the importance of the eel as a key element in Natura 2000 Network areas.

Thanks to the information obtained in the ANGUILA project, knowledge of the eel population of the Mar Menor has been improved. The work carried out has made it possible, among other things, to assess the incidence of fishing effort and to obtain data on migration dates, information that will help to improve the current European Eel Management Plan.

The project evaluated the status of European eel subpopulations and their geographical distribution in Natura 2000 Network areas of the Iberian Southeast. To this end, a cartographic analysis and sampling were carried out in 15 locations, using three different models of traps. From the analysis it was observed that:

• The eel was detected in 18 of the 44 samplings carried out and in 8 of the 15 locations prospected, with a total of 84 specimens captured.

• A high number of captures have been made in lagoon systems (40 individuals), all from the Lagunas de Moreras. Natural channels represent the second type of habitat with the highest number of catches, with 28 specimens. In the lagoons, 12 silver eels and 17 pre-migrant females were detected.

• There is a great difference in the number of specimens captured and, therefore, in the apparent distribution of the species, between the wetlands of southern Alicante and those located in Murcia.

• The maximum catches of silver eel are concentrated in the months of December, January and February, gradually decreasing in the previous and subsequent samplings.

• Other observations indicate that there is a strong negative correlation between the migration period of the species and the lunar phase.

• A correlation has been found between the length of the specimens captured and seasonality: as the migration peak approaches, the catches swing towards longer specimens.

• There is an imbalance in the sex-ratio of catches (70% females; 5% males; 25% indeterminate). The differentiated efficiency in fishing gear caused by sexual dimorphism or population density are some of the reasons that could explain it.

In addition, the project has studied the biological cycle of the European eel from samplings at the fish market. A total of 1,578 eels have been sampled, determining that 25.4% of the processed catches correspond to mature specimens that began migration for subsequent reproduction. It was also observed that there is an evolution of eel sizes as the maturity stage of the specimens increases, as well as a marked difference between the sizes reached by males and females during their silver phase.

Finally, the large number and diversity of dissemination actions developed and in which it has participated (boat regatta, birding festival, eel week, anniversary of the Hondo natural park, etc.) is highly valued, favoring dissemination and awareness actions among a diverse public.