General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean - GFCM

Launch of a research programme on European eel in the Mediterranean


19/06/2020

The GFCM is teaming with scientific partners and focal points from nine countries to launch the first research programme on European eel in the Mediterranean Sea towards coordination of stock management and recovery.

The European eel was classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) after multiple factors – including habitat loss, overfishing, oceanic changes and an increase pollutant and pathogen levels –  had collectively contributed to the decline of the species.

In line with Recommendation GFCM/42/2018/1 adopted by GFCM countries, the GFCM research programme on European eel will aim to:

  • identify and assess management and protection measures for eel stock recovery;
  • establish a common framework for the monitoring of European eel;
  • collect and update data concerning eel stocks and habitat in the Mediterranean, and
  • establish a common framework for eel stock assessment.

“Thanks to strong international coordination, capacity-building and the sharing of best practices, the research programme shall create a common framework for the management of the European eel in the Mediterranean Sea”, says Elisabetta Betulla Morello, GFCM Fishery Resources Officer. “This framework will help reduce the impact of fisheries and aquaculture activities on the species, towards achieving sustainable stock levels of European eel.”

The research programme is starting today with an online kick-off event and will have a duration of 18 months.  

Warm thanks to our partners and focal points across the Mediterranean for their contribution:

Scientific Partners

Administration Focal Points