Volunteer Eel Monitors Wanted

Thames21 and ZSL are looking for volunteer citizen scientists to monitor European Eel traps at Bow Locks on the River Lea.

Research over the last 30 years has shown all is not well with the European Eel. In 2008 the European Eel was classified as Critically Endangered on IUCN's Red List (which lists threatened species). The European Eel population across Europe is believed to have declined by up to 95% since the 1980s.

Reasons for its decline are muted as a combination of habitat loss, barriers to migration, presence of a parasite in its swim bladder, over-fishing, and climate change affecting oceanic currents. But more research is needed.

To help these efforts Thames21 are once again teaming up with ZSL to monitor eel numbers at Bow Locks on the River Lea. Eel monitors check the specially designed eel trap once a month each from April to September, on a Monday, Wednesday or Friday, in pairs with another eel monitor.

Full training will be provided: Overview of the biology of the European eel Information on the ZSL monitoring programme A practical demonstration of checking the trap Health and Safety Uploading the data onto ZSL website Training to be held in the evening on 14th April and 7th May at The Miller’s House, Three Mill Lane, London E3 3DU.

To register your interest or for further information contact Ben Fenton ben.fenton@thames21.org.uk or 07920 230970