From: Capper, Chris

Sent: Monday, February 02, 2009 4:38 PM

Subject: Eel Management Plans

Dear All,

As I'm sure you are all aware, r ecruitment of the European eel is estimated to have fallen by 70% in the UK , compared with historic levels. The eel is a UK BAP species and is about to be included in Appendix II of CITES. In 2007 the Commission of the EU published Council Regulation 1100/2007, “establishing measures for the recovery of the stock of European eel”. The Regulation requires EU Member States to develop and implement Eel Management Plans (EMPs).

The UK 's submission of 15 Eel Management Plans (EMPs) was made to the European Commission at the end of December. The Commission is currently assessing all EMPs and we await approval (or instructions for further revision). The plans are to be implemented on July 1 st 2009 .

DEFRA have now made the UK 's EMPs available on their website. If you want to access  to them please go to:

http://www.defra.gov.uk/marine/freshwater/fishman.htm#EELS .

and scroll down to the EMP links.

As always, please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Best Regards Chris Capper NW REP Officer Int - 721 2990 Ext - 01925 542990 What do think of the water environment in the North West ? Could you do anything to help improve it? Have your say now at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/wfd

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