The EIFAC/ICES Working Group on Eels met to finish the work initiated at its 1999 meeting on defining biological reference points for European eel management use. The review of available information revealed that the European eel stock is in decline and that fisheries are outside safe biological limits.

Most of the diadromous fish of the world have decreased in distribution and abundance since the beginning of the twentieth century. They are now threatened, and important conservation issues arise. The causes of these trends vary among species and basins but regional human impact (damming, pollution, fisheries) and global change (climate) are suspected to be responsible for these difficulties. This book contains selected papers from an international symposium organised by the Diadfish network held in Bordeaux (France) in 2005. Readers will find up-to-date information on the ecology, ecotoxicology and physiology of several diadromous species (Atlantic salmon, shads, lampreys, eels) and this whole group in Europe. Main impacts are also documented and analysed in case studies, and solutions or remediation actions are presented.

The twentieth session of the European Inland Fisheries Advisory Commission (EIFAC) was held in Praia do Carvoeiro, Portugal, from June 23 to July 1, 1998, in concomitance with a symposium on water for sustainable inland fisheries and aquaculture. The session reviewed EIFAC's activities since 1996 in the fields of fishery biology and management, aquaculture, protection of the aquatic resource, and social and economic issues. EIFAC revised its rules of procedure and decided its future program of work, and in particular the activities which should be carried out until the next session of the Commission in 2000, planned to be held in Hungary and preceded by a symposium on fisheries and society.--Publisher's description.

This technical paper is a basic guide to carp pond polyculture practicable in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia. It provides an overview on the guiding principles, aspects and tasks, and presents the most applicable production techniques and patterns of carp polyculture. The manual aims to help identify resources and contribute to the successful planning and realisation of fish production by those fish pond owners and operators who need to strengthen and improve their knowledge on the subject.

Anguillid eels have fascinated biologists for centuries due to their spectacular long-distance migrations between freshwater habitats and their spawning areas far out in the ocean. This book provides a long overdue update on the biology and ecology of anguillid eels and features comprehensive coverage of the key features of the genus Anguilla. It c

This book explains much of what is known currently about freshwater eels, focusing on social and cultural aspects as well as science. A wealth of eel-related material is presented by scientists from around the world, including information on eel fishing, resources, distribution, aquaculture, economics, cuisine, environment and ecosystems, idioms, arts and crafts, tradition, legends, mythology, archaeology and even memorial services. Eels are important as food for humankind and are an interesting model for scientists studying animal migration and reproductive ecology. Their snake-like morphology differentiates them from most other fish, and their unpredictable behaviour that allows them to move over wet land and climb rocks adjacent to waterfalls attracts attention and evokes curiosity. Eels are therefore considered to be enigmatic creatures or metaphysical entities beyond human intelligence; indeed, they have been deified in parts of the world. In recent decades, however, with global populations of eels in sharp decline, some species face a real threat of extinction, and effective conservation strategies and measures are needed. Comparisons across these issues between various countries provide an image of a long-lasting relationship between eels and humankind, and encourage comprehensive and detailed understanding of eels from the perspectives of social, cultural and natural sciences. By promoting understanding of the close relationship between eels and humans, the broader public is engaged and public awareness of eel importance raised, helping to conserve these unique but endangered fish.