Survival and growth of eel in coastal habitats (38830)

Very little is known about settling, habitat utilization and survival of European eel (Anguilla anguilla) in coastal areas (fjords and estuaries). We don’t know what proportion of elvers take residence in the coastal zone. For eels stocked in fjords and estuaries, only little is known about survival and growth. In Denmark it has been suggested that the main production of eel takes place in the coastal areas and not in freshwater. Thus, it is very important to obtain some information about this to enhance our management of this threatened species.

The overall objective is to investigate the importance of various marine habitats for settlement, density, survival and growth of eel. In relation to survival, the importance of fishing and cormorant predation will be sought estimated. 


In the first stage (pilot) new sampling methods are being tested in order to be able to generate data about the juvenile eel in the coastal habitats. This is not trivial as no methods have proved effective in sampling small (< 15 cm) eels on the coast. To distinguish between wild and stocked eels, 25,000 coded wire tagged eels have been stocked in a semi-closed estuary and the lower river. Spring and fall sampling will provide information on relative survival and growth of these and wild eels.

Research area: Freshwater Fisheries and Ecology