West Sutherland Elver Survey

West Sutherland Elver Survey 2008
WHAT ACTION NEEDS TO BE TAKEN LOCALLY?
Though the responsibility for action regarding eels lies with FRS, SNH and SEPA, there is a
role for Biodiversity groups to support research and monitoring, lobby for more information
and raising awareness of eels. Such actions will help the development of the EMP by FRS for
implementation in Scotland in 2009. The following recommendations to should be
supported:
1. Government bodies responsible for action should be encouraged to establish a
sampling strategy in key ecologically sensitive areas in NW Scotland based on EC
sampling recommendations (European Council Regulation 1543/2000 and European
Commission Regulations 1639/2001, 1581/2004).
2. If non-government eel data is to be used a formalised system of data sharing needs
to be established and guidance should be given by FRS to Fisheries Trusts on eel
sampling.
3. The network of Fisheries Trusts in Scotland should be encouraged and supported to
coordinate the collection of eel specific data and join European eel projects such as
INDICANG (www.ifremer.fr/indicang) or FP6-project SLIME.
4. Government bodies should be lobbied to initiate research into the biodiversity value
of eels in the Highlands.
5. Government bodies should be lobbied to initiate research into the genetic value of
eels in NW Scotland.
6. Government bodies should be lobbied to initiate research into the effects and
solution to Hydro-electric dams and parasites.
7. New hydro-electric schemes on main water course should be encouraged to include
the impact on eel upstream and down stream movement in environmental impact
assessments in the light of infringement of EC legislation imposed through EMPs.
8. SEPA should be encouraged to use eels as indicators under the Water Framework
Directive, as bio-indicators, indications of water way connectivity or health of
waterways.
9. Government and oil industries lobbied to ban the use of brominated fire retardants
and promote the use of non-brominated (often halogen-free) alternatives.
10. EMP should not encourage any form of eel fishing until 40% spawner escapement
can be clearly proven.
37 West Sutherland Fisheries Trust