We plead with DEFRA, the UK government and the European Union to place a precautionary immediate closure on the commercial export of internationally-endangered(Red-listed) European eel juveniles taken from their home rivers. We urge them to do this in order to stop eels becoming extinct from our rivers.
Updates
October 18, 2016
The petition has successfully reached one thousand signatures. This level of interest confirms the public commitment to protecting our endangered European eel populations.
Reached 1,000 supporters
October 16, 2016
November 19, 2014
I have been reviewing the recent correspondence from officials regarding the status of European eel populations. Their current position remains insufficient to protect this endangered species from the pressures of commercial trade. Continued visibility is essential to ensure that this issue remains a priority for those in decision-making roles.
Reached 100 supporters
April 29, 2014
783 Comments
We need eels back in our rivers, not in some European fish farm. We want anglers and wildlife to benefit, as well as the species itself. Eels are amazing creatures and their export at a time when they are the international red list of endangered species is ridiculous!
I used to see Welles in all of the rivers and canals when I was younger. I can count on one hand how many I have seen in the last 10 years. Exportation must be stopped to enable our stocks to grow again for the sake of our environment.
Long long overdue. The Environment Agency is almost a contradiction in terms. This "harvesting" of elvers is an appalling waste of life. I find it hard to believe that this archaic practice continues. If I can assist in whatever capacity, please let me know.
It is criminal to allow this practise to continue, it is fueling the European Greed for Eels regardless of cost. Not too many years ago the River Weser in Germany was full of eels, I watched German Anglers taking away forrty gallon drums full of the creatures.
This is a largely unregulated industry which is damaging our ecology whilst simultaneously avoiding taxes etc on the considerable proceeds obtained; it should be stoppedboth for the sake of bio-diversity & to reduce tax avoidance & money laundering opportunities.
Apart from being endangered, elvers are also an import food source for birds & fish. Another case of profit being more important than life. Disgusting.
lets not make another beautiful creature extinct please.
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via . Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
By signing, you accept our Terms and Privacy Policy and agree to occasional emails about petitions. Unsubscribe anytime.
Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
Copy link or share directly
We plead with DEFRA, the UK government and the European Union to place a precautionary immediate closure on the commercial export of internationally-endangered(Red-listed) European eel juveniles taken from their home rivers. We urge them to do this in order to stop eels becoming extinct from our rivers.
Updates
October 18, 2016
The petition has successfully reached one thousand signatures. This level of interest confirms the public commitment to protecting our endangered European eel populations.
Reached 1,000 supporters
October 16, 2016
November 19, 2014
I have been reviewing the recent correspondence from officials regarding the status of European eel populations. Their current position remains insufficient to protect this endangered species from the pressures of commercial trade. Continued visibility is essential to ensure that this issue remains a priority for those in decision-making roles.
Reached 100 supporters
April 29, 2014
783 Comments
I have been baffled how we complain about the lack of eels (and elvers) in our rivers, yet each season there are many elvermen catching them and taking them to UK glass eels for export - worth more than their weight in gold I understand :(
We need eels back in our rivers, not in some European fish farm. We want anglers and wildlife to benefit, as well as the species itself. Eels are amazing creatures and their export at a time when they are the international red list of endangered species is ridiculous!
I used to see Welles in all of the rivers and canals when I was younger. I can count on one hand how many I have seen in the last 10 years. Exportation must be stopped to enable our stocks to grow again for the sake of our environment.
Long long overdue. The Environment Agency is almost a contradiction in terms. This "harvesting" of elvers is an appalling waste of life. I find it hard to believe that this archaic practice continues. If I can assist in whatever capacity, please let me know.
It is criminal to allow this practise to continue, it is fueling the European Greed for Eels regardless of cost. Not too many years ago the River Weser in Germany was full of eels, I watched German Anglers taking away forrty gallon drums full of the creatures.
This is a largely unregulated industry which is damaging our ecology whilst simultaneously avoiding taxes etc on the considerable proceeds obtained; it should be stoppedboth for the sake of bio-diversity & to reduce tax avoidance & money laundering opportunities.
Apart from being endangered, elvers are also an import food source for birds & fish. Another case of profit being more important than life. Disgusting.
lets not make another beautiful creature extinct please.
Help this petition grow
Share it with friends to help reach 2,500 signatures.
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via .
Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
Signing with Google or Facebook verifies your signature instantly — no email needed.
By signing, you accept our Terms and Privacy Policy and agree to occasional emails about petitions. Unsubscribe anytime.
Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
Petitions like this
Other petitions you might want to support
Scan to share
Anyone who scans this can sign the petition.
I have been baffled how we complain about the lack of eels (and elvers) in our rivers, yet each season there are many elvermen catching them and taking them to UK glass eels for export - worth more than their weight in gold I understand :(