THE Environment Agency is considering tighter restrictions on eel fishing.

The move follows a 95 per cent drop in the ell population in European rivers in recent years.

Gloucestershire has a long history of eel and elver fishing, dating back to the 14th century.

The Environment Agency is seeking the opinions of anyone with an interest in eels as part of a public consultation on the proposed new measures.

Proposals include:-

-Limiting adult eel fisheries to current locations, preventing them from expanding;

-Prohibiting net fishing at locations where elvers are particularly vulnerable;

-Banning trawling for eel and elver.

Richard Cook, of the Severn and Wye Smokery said: “It’s very easy to blame the demise of the eel population on fisheries, but we need to be more broad minded about this, and take a closer, more honest approach to the management of the river.

“I don’t think that the proposed changes would affect my business necessarily, however, the decline in eel population might.”

Heidi Stone, Fisheries Policy Manager with the Environment Agency said: “The causes of the decline across Europe is unknown, but it is unlikely to be a single factor.

“The lakes, ponds and wetlands that adult eels depend on to grow and mature have changed in recent decades, with many being drained and lost to agriculture and urban development.

“Fishing for elvers and eels may also have an impact, though the severity may vary from one country to another.

“And then there is the factor common to all eels - the time they spend at sea, where survival may be affected by changes in ocean currents and temperatures which may be linked to climate change.

“We need to review our regulations to make sure fisheries do not expand.

“Given the critical state of our eel stocks, we want as many anglers, net fishers and others with an interest in eel fisheries and conservation to take part in this important work.”

Elvers spawn in the mid-Atlantic Ocean before drifting on ocean currents until they reach the continental shelf, growing darker in colour as they approach land.

They can remain in freshwater for between 20 and 40 years, before migrating downstream towards the sea.

Particularly as young glass eels - so called because of their transparency - elvers command a high price, varying between £200 and £500 per kilogram.

If you would like to take part in the consultation visit the following website: www.environment-agency.gov.uk/research/library/consultations/108465.aspx

The consultation runs until September 7.