The Aquaculture Technology Centre of Andalusia (CTAQUA) Foundation aimed to support the Recovery Plan for the European eel (Anguilla anguilla) of the Junta de Andalucía in theAtlantic and Guadalquivir hydrographic accounts (Lower Guadalquivir riverbed) through its housing in aquaculture systems located on land.

The actions developed within the framework of the project “Contribution of the aquaculture sector to the recovery of the European eel (Anguilla anguilla) in the Guadalquivir River” have made it possible tolearn more about the biology of the species, its behaviour in ecosystems with high added value and to obtain relevant information that will contribute to its management by the aquaculture sector and the competent administration. Likewise, it has been possible to establish appropriate actions and measures to contribute to the preservation of the species.

Specifically, it has been determined that the housing and conservation of by-catches of European eel in aquaculture facilities located in the Atlantic and Guadalquivir basins can contribute significantly to the recovery of this species. To this end, within the framework of the project, a methodological guide for the housing and control of eels in land-based aquaculture facilities has been developed, in which procedures for action in the event of accidental entry of eels into aquaculture facilities have been defined and the strategies of the aquaculture sector to contribute to the management of the species and ensure the survival of the recovered individuals.

Finally, an effort has been made to communicate and raise awareness both the aquaculture sector involved and civil society about the problems of this species, making known the results and conclusions of the project.