The European Commission launched a public stakeholder consultation on the implementation of the 2007 Eel Regulation from 14 December 2018 to 8 March 2019.
The stock of European eels is in critical condition, the Commission recalls, adding that“recruitment is at an all-time low and exploitation of the stock is currently unsustainable”.
Due to the ineffectiveness of the Eel Regulation, the EU had to adopt fishing restrictions this year and last year to save the eel stock. These measures were taken within the framework of the regulations on total allowable catches (TACs) and quotas (see EUROPE 12163).
The decline in eel stock has numerous causes, including fisheries (commercial or recreational), hydropower turbines and pumps, pollution, habitat modification and the creation of obstacles to eel migrations. “It is important to avoid further deterioration in the state of the stock”, says the Commission.
The current Regulation 1100/2007 provides for national plans including measures to ensure a long-term escapement of at least 40% of adult eels.
The results of this consultation and the evaluation may be used to inform decisions on whether the Eel Regulation and/or the implementation measures need to be reviewed. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)