Increased investment using some EU money is being spent on measures to help the conservation of the European Eel.  Eel populations are in dramatic decline both nationally and internationally.

There are many theories as to why this is happening, ranging from global warming, change in ocean currents, water quality, barriers to migration, fishing both recreational and commercial and predation. Eels are an important part of the riverine fish community and the Agency is committed to improving eel stocks. Barriers to migration via sluices are just one area that can be tackled. In fact several projects by the EA are ongoing with the introduction of fish passes around such structures.