04/12/2018 (Agence Europe) – The European Commission has proposed extending the closure currently planned for other stages of eel development (three consecutive months from 1 September to 31 January) to elvers and to river fishermen, according to information received on Tuesday 4 December (see EUROPE 11925). French fishermen protested against these measures, considering them too strict, arguing that the French eel management plan, which has been approved by the European Commission, set a reduction target of more than 60% in fishing mortality and included measures to re-stock this species. "Not only have French fishermen reached this target, but they have also become the essential link in restocking and releasing eel populations” the French National Fisheries Committee explains. (LC)