Migration and escapement of silver eel males,Anguilla anguilla,from a southwestern European river

The catadromous life cycle of the European eel encompasses a spawning migration to the Sargasso Sea. Prior to their migration, eels develop a silver coloration being referred to as “silver eels.” Due to the dramatic European eel recruitment decline, it is crucial to quantify silver eel escapement to evaluate the success of measures taken under Eel Management Plans (Regulation EC (1100/2007)). Thus, the percentage of silver eels escaping from the River Mondego (Portugal) was estimated during two consecutive spawning seasons (2014–2016) and their migratory behaviour was studied. Thirty-six male silver eels were tagged with acoustic transmitters and their downstream migration was tracked using automatic receivers deployed at four locations along the river course, from the first impassable obstacle up to the river mouth (67 km). Among the tagged eels, 15 (42%) escaped to the sea. In both years, individuals displayed faster migration speed in the downstream reaches of the river. BRT (“Boosted Regression Trees”) models were used to explain downstream migration and escapement of silver eels. The analyses revealed that the downstream migration is triggered by several environmental variables with water conductivity as the most influential predictor. Escapement of eels from the estuary occurred a few hours after their arrival and was primarily explained by the offshore wind intensity, which promotes a current in the coast that may favour their transport to the open sea. These findings contribute to a better understanding of silver eel migration in southern latitudes and highlight and reinforce the need to monitor spawner escapement.     

On the actual recruitment of European eel (Anguilla anguilla) in the River Ems,Germany

Data from the historical River Ems glass eel fisheries in the 20th Century have been used for the ICES recruitment series. Commercial catches ceased from 1980 and dropped to zero; thus, eel recruitment data are since lacking. The present study assessed the actual eel recruitment to the River Ems with regard to the local tidal conditions. Standardised measurements were performed on relative glass eel occurrence at the tidal weir from 2014 and quantitative sampling at the next weir upstream from 2013. Eel migration at the tidal weir was dominated by glass eels and increased 2–3 month earlier than at the upstream weir, where migration was dominated by pigmented eels. In 2016, glass eels were marked at the tidal weir and pigmented elvers were sampled at the upstream weir. The 2016 eel recruitment was estimated at about 1% of the mean historical recruitment. Eel recruitment at the two weirs was not directly linked. Many eels seem not to pass the upstream weir. Further investigations are needed to reveal whether the results represent a regular pattern. In the long run, the perpetuation of the recruitment series is also foreseen.     

Infection by Anguillicoloides crassus in a riverine stock of European eel,Anguilla anguilla

Abstract Infection by the parasitic nematode Anguillicoloides crassus Kuwahara, Niimi & Itagaki, in a wild riverine stock of European eel, Anguilla anguilla (L.), in a near pristine river was investigated. Samples were collected on a seasonal basis in distinct habitats along the river gradient. This study highlighted the presence of the parasite and completion of the whole life cycle in eels from the Río Esva. Infection levels by A. crassus were high at three sites between the mid river to the estuary and also varied among seasons. Condition of eels was lower at upstream sites compared with downstream locations. Although high‐quality, environmental conditions in the Río Esva may buffer the effects of A. crassus on eels, potential impacts and limiting factors for the parasite are discussed.     

Spatiotemporal variation in the distribution of eel (Anguilla spp.) populations in three New Zealand lowland streams

Abstract – Populations of shortfinned eel ( Anguilla australis ) and longfinned eel ( A. dieffenbachii ) were sampled at randomly chosen sites along the length of three New Zealand streams during summer for three consecutive years to determine their variability in size distribution between streams, reaches (within streams) and years. The longfinned eel was numerically dominant in two of the streams, whereas the shortfinned eel was more abundant in the third stream. For comparisons, the data were stratified into 100-mm size classes for eels ≤600 mm long, whereas eels >600 mm were pooled into a single class. Log-linear analysis indicated that the size distribution of both species differed significantly between streams. Moreover, the size distribution of shortfinned, but not longfinned eels, differed significantly between reaches. Neither species showed significant change in size distribution between years. In contrast to the shortfinned eel, the density of longfinned eel ≤100 mm long was consistently low for all three years, which probably indicates poor recruitment.     

Population density, growth and diet of eels, Anguilla anguilla L., in two rivers in eastern England

Abstract. The population density, growth and diets of eels, Anguilla anguilla L., from four sites on two rivers in eastern England were studied over 2 years. Eel population density varied greatly between sites and seasons, few eels being caught during the winter. Mean population densities ranged from 50 to 518 eels/ha and mean biomass from 35 to 210kg/ha. Older eels were more numerous at upstream sites. Growth rates in the two rivers were generally similar, but eels 9–13 years old at upstream sites were significantly larger in terms of length and weight than their downstream counterparts.
Of 868 eels examined, only 425 stomachs contained food, the percentage of empty stomachs being negatively correlated with temperature. Asellus aquaticus was the predominant food item at all sites in all seasons and in the three size classes of eels studied. Megaloptera and Trichoptera were also important. Fish, largely bottom-dwelling species, were found mainly in the largest size-class of eels and in the winter, when few large eels were feeding. Niche breadth expands with increasing size of cel.     

Temporal changes in European eel, Anguilla anguilla, stocks in a small catchment after installation of fish passes

Abstract  Changes in the abundance of European eel, Anguilla anguilla L., in the River Frémur, France, were examined over an 8-year period. Natural connectivity of the river was disturbed by three high dams that inhibited eel upstream migration and reduced recruitment by elvers and yellow eels. After eel passes were installed, fish became more abundant upstream (mean density 0.5 eel m⁻²). Moreover, except in the more upstream areas, no decline in eel numbers and biomass was found, in contrast to the general decline of eel throughout its distribution range. It was concluded that eel passes are important to conserve and/or to recover eel stocks.     

Variations in the population dynamics of the European eel Anguilla anguilla (L.) along the course of a Cantabrian river

Abstract– The size, density and production rate of eel were determined at 16 contrasting sites of 4 streams along the course of a Cantabrian river over the years 1990–1993. In addition, the diel cycles of feeding activity were determined monthly in another tributary over the year 1991–1992. Eels in the Esva were small, short-lived and mostly males (>99%). The seasonal patterns of eel density, feeding activity and condition were tightly fitted with each other, size-independent and regulated mainly by water temperature. Mean eel size increased with distance from the river mouth, but at each site, it remained similar between seasons and years. In contrast, density decreased upstream and showed marked seasonal and annual fluctuations. For all the sites, the number of eels increased in spring and summer and peaked by late autumn, coincident with higher water temperature and lower discharge. Mortality and migration rates were correlated with eel numbers for each stream, suggesting a densitydependent regulation. Production rates were correlated with distance from the river mouth, which explained only 10.2% of the variation, but they were also correlated with the initial and mean numbers, suggesting that site-specific factors acting upon density also influence production. Average production for the first year was 158.6 kg^–ha^–1. year^–1 (range 56.5–378.0) but decreased to 104.2 and 89.7 in the next 2 years. The reduction in the numbers of eels rather than the later reduction in mean size was responsible for this decrease. Monthly water temperature, distance from the river mouth and the initial number and size of eels for each site explain most of the variation observed in the population parameters along the course of the Esva River.     

Effects of improving longitudinal connectivity on colonisation and distribution of European eel in the Loire catchment, France

Abstract –  Major migration barriers have been identified as an important factor in the drastic reduction of freshwater eel stocks at the catchment scale. In this study, we developed a way to assist decision making in the management of migration barriers so as to increase eel presence throughout the Loire catchment (France). Models were developed according to eel size-class and various different management strategies to improve accessibility, taking into account: (i) all the migration barriers from the tidal limit to different upstream limits (downstream–upstream strategy), (ii) all the migration barriers with a given degree of passability (migration barrier passability class strategy), (iii) all the migration barriers in a given sub-catchment area (sub-catchment strategy) and (iv) all the migration barriers in the entire Loire catchment (global strategy). Eel were actually found to occur in the Loire at about 50% of the sites sampled. The improvement of habitat accessibility by removing all obstacles to colonisation or installing fish passes, for example (global strategy), would lead to eels being found throughout the whole river. If this management strategy is impossible because the high cost, two others, also producing significant eel continental colonisation must be implemented. Either all barriers from the tidal limit with medium passability and/or migration barriers in the sub-catchment area which is closest to the sea and least accessible must be managed. In both cases, the area significantly exploited by eels and the probability that this species will be present will be doubled. However, these results can only be counted on if the fluvial recruitment increases significantly.     

Early settlement and growth of stocked European glass eels in a fragmented watercourse

One of the actions that has been implemented to support the recovery of the panmictic population of European eel is stocking of waterbodies where natural recruitment is low or null. However, growth conditions of the stocked eels can vary greatly. This circumstance emphasises the importance to determine ideal habitat conditions to contribute to the success of stocking actions and, consequently, to increase the production of silver eels. This study aims to evaluate the early settlement and growth of stocked glass eels in the upper reaches of a fragmented river. Stocking was carried out, in 2014, at three sites of an inland tributary of the Mondego river basin (Central Portugal), and its monitoring was conducted during the following two years, until 2016, along with the collection of environmental and hydromorphological parameters. The results showed a successful dispersion throughout the study area. Growth varied spatially, although environmental parameters have not clearly explained this variation, but overall with high growth rates and a positive allometric growth in this early stage of stocking, suggesting a good condition of the stocked individuals. This study showed that these upper reaches of fragmented watercourses, a shared feature amongst most European rivers that are currently inaccessible for natural recruitment, may be suitable habitats for eel stocking.     

The sex-ratio reversal of the Japanese eel Anguilla japonica in the Kaoping River of Taiwan: The effect of cultured eels and its implication

The sex ratio of wild Japanese eels in the Kaoping River of southwestern Taiwan has been extremely skewed towards females in the recent years. However, the sex ratio skewed towards males after Typhoon Mindulle, July 2, 2004 then recovered to the previous female-dominated status in the following year. To determine why the sex ratio drastically changed, eels captured in the river were examined by both morphologic characteristics and otolith elemental signatures by solution-based inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SB-ICPMS) and laser-ablation ICPMS (LA-ICPMS). Most of the eels collected in the river after the typhoon had a blue-gray colored back, with morphology and sex ratio similar to that of cultured eels, which differed from wild yellow eels which had a green colored back. The chemical signature in otoliths of eels with a blue-gray colored back was similar to that of cultured eels, with significantly lower Sr/Ca ratios but slightly higher Mn/Ca ratios than for wild eels. This confirmed that the reversal in eel sex ratio in the Kaoping River estuary resulted from cultured eels that had escaped from eel farms. Eel farmers estimated that about 30,000 eels escaped during the typhoon, sufficient to reverse the sex ratio of the eels in the river. Furthermore, silver eels caught in the estuary in the winter 2004 were also mostly males. The chemical signature in otoliths of these silver eels was similar to that of escaped cultured eels. Their morphology and mean GSIs, however, were comparable to wild silver eels. Thus, cultured eels that have escaped from eel farms can silver normally in the wild. Consequently, cultured eels may help to balance the sex ratio of the wild eel population and may contribute to the spawning stock of Japanese eel.     

Analysis of distribution patterns of yellow European eels in the Loire catchment using logistic models based on presence–absence of different size-classes

Abstract –  We used logistic models to analyse the longitudinal distribution patterns of yellow European eels in the Loire catchment (France). Our models for predicting the presence of yellow eels supported contrasting spatial patterns according to the size of individuals and catchments. The smallest eels (mainly <150 mm and secondly 150–300 mm) were confined to downstream areas, but rapidly colonised upstream reaches. By contrast, larger eels were distributed further inland but tended to become more sedentary. In addition, a higher density of barriers to migration in the Maine catchment (a large catchment within the Loire catchment) probably delayed the upstream colonisation compared with the rest of the Loire catchment. These results suggest that logistic models may be a useful and efficient tool: (1) for the assessment of eel status and trends in freshwater systems; and (2) for the assessment of the consequences of local perturbations or conversely improvement of colonisation.     

Estimation of production and long‐term changes in the population of European eel Anguilla anguilla (L.) in an Irish lake

Monitoring of yellow‐phase and silver‐phase Anguilla anguilla during their continental life history is necessary for evaluation of stock recovery measures. Eel population data for an Irish lake (Lough Sheelin) were compiled for the period 1993–2014. Catch data from 2009 to 2014 provided minimum estimates of recent silver eel production ranging annually from 0.79 to 1.84 kg/ha. Long‐term changes in yellow eel abundance and silver eel size structure were assessed as part of a fishery monitoring programme. Yellow eel catch per unit effort (CPUE) in the lake (from longline surveys) was considerably higher in the 1990s (52.2–62.1 eels/100 hooks) than 2002–2008 (1.9–15.8 eels/100 hooks). Conversely, during 1993–2014, the mean size of silver eels migrating from the lake increased significantly (p < .001), from 659 mm to 838 mm. The results suggest that in the absence of direct yellow eel abundance data, interannual variation in silver eel size structure may be a useful monitoring tool for local eel stocks as part of Eel Management Plans (EMP's).     

Selective opening of hydroelectric dam spillway gates for downstream migrant eels in New Zealand

Abstract  Selective opening of the Patea hydroelectric dam spillway gates was examined for its potential to provide safe downstream passage for sexually mature (silver) eels in New Zealand. During autumn 2000, one of the spillway gates at the 82-m high Patea Dam was opened for 2.5 h and a large fyke net set across the river about 1.5 km below the dam. Fifty one live endemic longfin eels Anguilla dieffenbachii (Gray), 60 live shortfin eels Anguilla australis (Richardson), and eight dead shortfin eels were captured. All but three of the eels caught were downstream migrants, and aside from the dead eel, only a small portion (5%) had external signs of injury. It was likely that the majority of the eels captured passed over the spillway, but some may have originated from the section of river between the dam and the net or gone through the turbines. To further test the ability of eels to survive passage over the spillway, three controlled spills were made in autumn 2001 and 102 eels released immediately upstream of the partially opened spillway gates. A net stretched across the base of the concrete spillway was used to recover the eels. Most of the eels recovered from the spillway had low levels of injury. However, during the third controlled spill, 10 wild migrant eels were also caught with none showing any external signs of injury. This indicated that the damage noted on the recovered eels were the result of handling rather than passage over the spillway. It was concluded that selective opening of hydroelectric dam spillway gates can provide safe downstream passage for migrant eels.     

Coastal river connectivity and the distribution of ascending juvenile European eel (Anguilla anguilla L.): Implications for conservation strategies regarding fish‐passage solutions

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Patterns of silver eel (Anguilla anguilla L.) sex ratio in a catchment

Abstract –  Changes in the numbers and size-class structure of European silver eels, Anguilla anguilla , in the River Frémur (France) were examined over a 9-year period after installation of downstream eel passes. The number of silver eels migrating downstream peaked in 1999, then decreased strongly and steadily after 2000, reaching relatively low levels. At the same time, a gradual shift in the silver eel sex ratio from a dominance of males (size from 270 to 442 mm, age from 3 to 6 years) to females (size from 366 to 1112 mm, age from 4 to 9 years) was recorded. Possible explanations for the escapement patterns observed are environmental sex determination and the installation of eel passes on the main hydraulic engineering structures in 1992 and 1996.     

Diel and seasonal movements by adult Sacramento pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus grandis) in the Eel River, northwestern California

Abstract– In late summer and fall, radio-tagged adult Sacramento pikeminnow ( Ptychocheilus grandis ) at three sites in the Eel River of northwestern California moved more at night than during the day. Fish moved up to 535 m at night and returned to their original positions the following morning. Adult Sacramento pikeminnow at all sites occupied only pools during the day, but at one site moved through high gradient riffles and occupied fast water habitats at night. Adult Sacramento pikeminnow at the upstream limit of their range in one Eel River tributary moved downstream up to 23 km during the winter and tended to return to their original position the following spring, where they remained through the summer. Fish radio tagged at downstream sites exhibited more variable behavior, moving 2-92 km over >393 days. Our observations suggest that the most appropriate scale of consideration for attempts to manage this species or estimate population size includes entire river drainages.     

Spatial organisation of European eel (Anguilla anguilla L.) in a small catchment

Abstract –  Modelling-governing patterns of European eel ( Anguilla anguilla L.) distribution of four eel size classes (<150, 150–300, 300–450 and >450 mm) in the Frémur basin (northwest France) was done using artificial neural network (ANN) techniques and ecological profiles. Our results demonstrate the high predictive power of the ANN models. Some macro- and microscale factors, such as distance from the sea, depth and flow velocity, have the most significant influence on the models. Influence of distance from the sea appears to be very different from the spatial organisation usually described in river systems. In fact, the general tendencies of total eel densities according to the distance from the sea showed that densities increase weakly upstream. Another outcome was the variations in habitat preference according to the eel size, even if this species is spread over practically every type of microhabitat. Small eels were mainly found in shallow habitats with strong abundance of aquatic vegetation, whereas large eels tend to be found in intermediate to high depth with small to intermediate abundance of aquatic vegetation. Finally, we hypothesise that European eels change behaviour and microhabitat characteristic preference around a size of 300 mm.     

Rapid response of fish and aquatic habitat to removal of a tidal barrier

1. River barrier removal is used increasingly as a conservation tool to restore lotic habitat and river connectivity, but evidence of its efficacy is incomplete. This study used a before–after methodology to determine the effects of removing a tidal-limit barrier on the fishes, macroinvertebrates, and habitats of an English coastal stream.
2. Following barrier removal, habitat diversity increased immediately upstream and remained similar downstream. Mobilized silt altered the substrate composition immediately downstream, but this was temporary as silt was flushed out the following winter. Changes to macroinvertebrate communities occurred upstream and downstream of the former barrier but these were transient.
3. A dramatic and sustained increase in fish density occurred immediately upstream of the barrier after its removal, but effects downstream were minor. The fish community upstream changed, largely due to rapid recruitment and dispersal of endangered European eel (Anguilla anguilla). Eel density in the formerly impounded zone increased from 0.5 per 100 m² before barrier removal to 32.5 per 100 m² 5 months after removal. By 17 months after barrier removal there was no difference in eel density across the six sections sampled.
4. Although resident stream fishes such as bullhead (Cottus gobio species complex, protected under the European Habitats Directive) were abundant in middle and upper-stream sections, brown trout (Salmo trutta, a listed species for biodiversity conservation in England and Wales) density remained low during the study and recruitment was poor. This suggests that although colonization access for anadromous trout was available, habitat upstream may have been unsuitable for reproduction, indicating that wider catchment management is required to complement the restoration of connectivity.
5. These findings suggest that tidal barrier removal is an effective method of restoring lotic habitats and connectivity, and can be beneficial for resident and migratory fishes including those of conservation importance (e.g. European eel) in coastal streams.

     

Biochemistry and physiology of a family of eel natriuretic peptides

Three natriuretic peptides with similar structures were isolated from eels and their amino acid sequences determined; atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) from atria, ventricular natriuretic peptide (VNP) from ventricles, and C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) from brains. All three hormones were circulating in eel blood, and their plasma levels invariably decreased when eels were transferred from fresh water (FW) to seawater (SW). Eel ANP and VNP inhibited drinking in FW and SW eels. Eel ANP inhibited water and Na⁺ absorption by the intestine of SW eels. The potency of these ANP effects was 2–3 orders greater than those of other hormones which are known to have similar effects. Eel ANP and VNP induced antidiuresis but not antinatriuresis in FW eels. Eel ANP increased plasma cortisol level in SW eels but not in FW eels. The antidiuretic effect and the stimulation of cortisol secretion in eels are opposite to the ANP effects reported in mammals. These data suggest that ANP plays a complex role in the eel osmoregulation.

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Résumé Trois peptides natriurétiques présentant des structures similaires ont été isolés chez l'anguille et leurs séquences en acides aminés a été déterminées; le peptide atrial natriurétique (ANP) dans l'atria, le peptide ventriculaire natriurétique (VNP) dans les ventricules et le peptide natriurétique de type C dans le cerveau. Ces trois hormones sont présents dans le sang d'anguille et leur niveau plasmatique decroit invariablement quand les anguilles sont transférées d'eau douce en eau de mer. L'ANP et le VNP d'anguille inhibent l'action de boire chez les anguilles d'eau douce et d'eau de mer. L'ANP d'anguille inhibe l'absorption d'eau et de Na⁺ par l'intestin d'anguille en eau de mer. Ces effets de l'ANP sont 2 à 3 fois plus grands que ceux observés avec d'autres hormones qui sont connues pour avoir des effets similaires. L'ANP et le VNP d'anguille induisent l'antidiurèse mais pas l'antinatriurèse chez les anguilles d'eau douce. L'ANP d'anguille augmente chez ce poisson les niveaux de cortisol plasmatique en eau de mer mais pas en eau douce. L'effet antidiurétique et la stimulation de la sécrétion de cortisol chez l'anguille sont contraire aux effets de l'ANP observés chez les mammifères. Ces résultats suggèrent que l'ANP joue un role complexe dans l'osmorégulation de l'anguille.