The European eel—an endangered species and cultural heritage: dissemination of research, management and innovation (39374)

The project targets a broad-spectrum dissemination of our knowledge about the European eel as an outstanding and enigmatic but also critically endangered species. We show how far-reaching research has brought new insights into the biology of the eel and contributed to the understanding of how research-based knowledge can be used in management and innovation for the protection of the species and for the benefit of society.The eel is a good example to show the connection between a species' biology, management and utilization as a resource (fisheries) and innovation (life cycle in aquaculture). The purpose of the dissemination is to provide insight into the eel's biology, ecology and occurrence, its utilization in fisheries and aquaculture, stock level and red list status (endangered species), international and national management measures to restore the stock and the eel's role in our food culture and social history. We integrate this knowledge and show how research-based knowledge is used in international stock management and nature conservation as well as for technology development in aquaculture with a view to a sustainable utilization of a natural resource.

The project has produced a number of films and education material. The films and other material are available free of charge to teachers on emu.dk and on the project's own website: Den fanstatiske ål (http://europaeisk-aal.dk). A physical exhibition has been constructed, which can be included in aquariums and museums' exhibitions, including educational material for school services (information is available on the homepage).

Partners
National Institute of Aquatic Resources, DTU Aqua (coordinator)
The North Sea Oceanarium, Denmark

Funding
The project is funded by Ministry of Higher Education and Science & Ministry of Children and Education.

Research area: Fish Biology