Help ZSL monitor eel populations in Kent

European eels (Anguilla anguilla) are fascinating creatures that make one of the most remarkable migrations that we see in nature – journeying 4,000 miles from the Sargasso Sea near Bermuda, across the Atlantic Ocean to Europe, and back again over its life cycle.  

They once thrived in UK rivers, but the number of young joining the adult populations has dropped dramatically since the 1980s and the species has been classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species. Whilst there is still much to learn about what has caused this decline, eels are thought to face a few key threats, which include barriers to their migration, habitat loss and disease.  

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) has been monitoring young eels during their upstream freshwater migration in the tributaries of the River Thames since 2005 with the help of over 20 partner organisations and hundreds of volunteer Citizen Scientists. The data collected by Citizen Scientists provides vital information on the trends in numbers of eels and the impact of barriers, prompting conservation action such as the construction of eel passes to allow eels access to habitat upstream.  

This year, ZSL are seeking help from volunteers to continue this important work around the Medway and Swale estuaries. 

How can you help? 

From the end of May and over the summer months, you can help check sites at Kent Wildlife Trust’s reserve Oare Marshes, and measure and release any eels present. You’ll be part of an important project to highlight the impact of tidal barriers and contribute towards the conservation of this iconic species. All training and equipment will be provided by ZSL.  

Thanks for reading. If you’re interested in hearing more about this volunteering opportunity or if you have any questions, please email Thea Cox to register your interest in the project: marineandfreshwater@zsl.org