Report on the outcome of the implementation of the eel management plans, including an evaluation of the measures concerning restocking and of the evolution of market prices for eels less than 12 cm in length

Regulation (EC) 1100/2007 (the Eel Regulation) obliges Member States with river basins in their national territory that constitute habitats for the eels, to establish and implement Eel Management Plans (EMPs). These EMPs should contain management measures to ensure the escapement to the sea of at least 40% of adult eels relative to the escapement levels that would have existed in the absence of human influences.

In particular, an EMPs may contain measures, such as reducing commercial fishing activity, restricting recreational fishing, restocking measures, structural measures to make river passable and improve river habitats, transportation of silver eel from inland waters, combatting predators, measures related to hydro-electric power turbines, aquaculture, as well as any other measure necessary for the achievement of the above mentioned 40% escapement target.

In addition, Member States that permit the fishing of eels less than 12 cm in length (glass eels) have an obligation to reserve 60% of their glass eel catches for restocking purposes.

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