 Attempts are being made to halt the decline in elver numbers |
The number of elvers in Gloucestershire's rivers has fallen dramatically in the last three decades, Environment Agency research has shown. The baby eels have been fished from the banks of the River Severn for centuries
But new figures show a 90% drop in numbers in the last 30 years.
Environmental changes and a loss of habitat have been blamed for the fall. The agency says similar problems are experienced Europe-wide and a recovery plan is to be introduced this year.
Principal fisheries scientist Miran Aprahamian said: "The EU has been discussing the impact and serious situation with the eels and what member countries can do.
"They had a meeting in Brussels in May 2003 and hopefully a European-wide recovery plan will be put in to place some time in 2004."
Elvers can fetch as much as �300 a kilo in the Far East where they are considered a delicacy.
Last month, several agencies joined forces for the first time to catch unlicensed fishermen on the River Severn.
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