Eels and Brexit

European eels are mysterious fish, making long migrations from rivers to the Sargasso sea and back. Eels are seriously endangered. There has been a 95% decline in populations since the 1980s. Weirdly, Brexit is adding to the pressures on these fish (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jun/16/a-rewilding-project-on-uk-rivers-aims-to-stop-eels-sliding-to-extinction-aoe). Tiny glass eels, returning from the Sargasso, used to be scooped up by English fishers at the mouth of the river Severn. Since 1908, many of these baby eels were exported to Europe. Just prior to Brexit, 10-15 million glass eels were annually sent to Europe. Some were eaten (like fishy spaghetti) but 60% were used in rewilding projects. The UK is no longer allowed to trade eels in Europe. This means that the Severn fishers have no market and their activity is disappearing. These fish also have serious problems with water control devices at the mouths of UK rivers. These devices prevent eels from making their migrations between salt and fresh water. Attempts are being made, in some locations, to make access easier. Eels as well as being an important food item for humans, are favourite dietary items of many fish-eating birds and mammals. They need to be encouraged across Europe.