Downstream migration of silver eel Anguilla anguilla in the River Nene in 2014

There is a paucity of data to assess escapement rates of silver eel from Anglian Northern Rivers. Since eel regulations were introduced in 2007 technology has improved to assist with gaining estimates of this. The River Nene holds a significant eel population; it is also one of the most modified and heavily regulated rivers in the UK. By assessing silver eel migration down the Nene system and subsequent escapement to the North Sea important information on the rivers capability to produce silver eels that are capable of contributing to the spawning stock can be discerned. This will feed back into local and national eel management plans when targeting future eel habitat improvement schemes. Eels used in this study were captured, tagged and released to complete their downstream journey. They were tracked using remote telemetry sensors at set locations at in-river structures.