With the collapse of the European eel population over the last 30 years and the number of elvers returning to European rivers falling to less than 5% of 1980’s levels it is no surprise that eels in general are having a hard time.
With the Environment Agency working hard to improve elver passage and new Eel Management Plans in force to protect stocks it is great news when eel fisheries voluntarily reduce the number of adult eels they take.
The famous Houghton Club on the River Test runs two of the six licensed racks in Hampshire. Having heard of the plight of the local eel populations the club have voluntarily reduced the number of eels their racks take.
Historically these highly efficient racks could take as many as 1000kg of adult eels per season. The club has now reduced its catch to 90kg with those being caught distributed to club members only – that is about 180 eels.
Heb Leman of the EA’s local Fisheries and Biodiversity team said:
“This is a great boost for the adult eel population of the River Test and hopefully the actions of the Houghton Club will set an example for others to follow. The action will also improve in river channel habitat as the river will not be diverted through the racks and fewer boards will be used allowing the river to flow faster in the location of the racks.”
Leckford Estate, which is owned by John Lewis partnership, no longer operates its eel rack on the River Test in response to the state of the eel population.
