Eel Research in 1975

Abstract

The national survey of Irish eel stocks was completed in 1975. A definitive report is being prepared and will be published later. The work began eleven years ago and the final phase was a study of the eels in the River Barrow. We have now searched for eels in coastal locations, in river estuaries, rich lakes, poor lakes, mountain streams and lowland rivers rich and poor. This has provided a picture of how and where quantities of eels may be found, how they may best be fished for and managed and how the stocks may be improved for the benefit of the fishermen. The stocks are definitely low, although the annual output of eels is of the order of one hundred tons with a value of over £100,000. About two-thirds of this catch came from the Shannon fishery. In general, fishing is intensive and the scope for improvement in fishing methods is limited. Stocking with elvers however, can greatly increase the catch in the long term and at a value of £1,000 a ton it is clearly worthwhile to go to work on this. The Electricity Supply Board has in fact been engaged in restocking for many years and can expect an increased yield in the near future.