Originally Posted by JayZS

You should also consider other species being possibly responsible for the bite marks, including crayfish of course. As regards that article, it would be interesting to read all of it. My reaction to the extract is one of disbelief. Eels are far more important that just one more species that anglers seek. They have been part of the UK fauna for a long long time, and if money can help ensure their continued survival then let it be spent. It may not be fluffy like the panda, but it is equally important, and I would like to see its continued presence in our waters. How the parasite came to be here is irrelevant...apart from being one more example of man's major errors in his mis-manipulation of the natural world. Anglers seeking eels is trivial indeed compared to having such a unique and fascinating creature in our lakes and rivers. An astonishing fish that would be a loss to us all, not just to fishermen. A bloody silly, adolescent, ill-considered article.

My thoughts and the NAC's thoughts exactly, this has been highlighted on a number of angling forums and all seem to agree, one group however do not and just see our stance as a form of preaching and alienating anglers etc etc and think we are just in it for the eel angling which i can wholeheartedly assure you we are not. If we did not exist as a single species group then the plight of the eel would be left to the likes of the SEG ( don't get me started) who funnily enough don't seem to think that there is much of a problem...mind you the fact that various commercial netsman/fisherman are a part of it doesn't suprise me.

The eel is a valuable ecological asset, a keystone species, have you wondered why Otters/cormorants have become a problem in some areas and on certain fisheries.....staple diet = eels.....No eel = Otters/cormorants look for an easy alternative...whats the easiest way of obtaining food without expending enrgy...the larder that is a man made fishery...makes biological sense.....coincidence????? In addition eels are indicators of not only water quality but also river connectivity. They act as predator/prey and scavenger and are a vital source of protein for numerous species and yes they are a fascinating fish to catch especially the big uns and there is nothing better than returning a big eel in the dead of night.

Chris, I have never given eels much thought, apart from when I have caught the odd boot lace so found this posting really interesting, and have learned a thing or two

Cheers, Nick