• 13 November, 2020

Towards recovery of European eel in the Mediterranean Sea

The European eel was classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) after multiple factors – including habitat loss, overfishing, oceanic changes and an increase pollutant and pathogen levels –  had collectively contributed to the decline of the species.

Scientists and administrations from nine countries (Albania, Algeria, Egypt, France, Greece, Italy, Spain, Tunisia, Turkey) have now teamed up with the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) to launch the first research programme on European eel in the Mediterranean Sea towards coordination of stock management and recovery.

In line with Recommendation GFCM/42/2018/1 adopted by GFCM countries, the GFCM research programme on European eel will be articulated around five work packages:

with the final aim to:

  • identify and assess management and protection measures for eel stock recovery;
  • establish a common framework for the monitoring of European eel;
  • collect and update data concerning eel stocks and habitat in the Mediterranean, and
  • establish a common framework for eel stock assessment.

The research programme started in June with an online kick-off event and will have a duration of 18 months.

Scientific Partners

Administration Focal Points