The number of eels along Sweden's West Coast has doubled since fishing was banned in 2012. A new study from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences confirms the recovery.
Researchers conducted test fishing near Fjällbacka, Stenungsund and Ringhals. They compared current data with historical statistics.
Torbjörn Säterberg, the study's lead author, said their analysis shows the silver eel population ready to migrate to the Sargasso Sea has roughly doubled since the fishing ban took effect. He made these comments in a radio interview.
Scientists urge caution in interpreting the results. The study only covered three locations along a long coastline. All data series suggest the stock has increased, particularly the number of larger individuals.
The European eel population declined dramatically in recent decades. While West Coast numbers improve, major challenges remain for rebuilding the population.
Young eels migrating into Europe remain at record low levels. The study demonstrates local measures can produce positive local effects on coastal eel stocks.
This recovery shows targeted conservation can work, but the broader European eel crisis continues. Regional success stories provide hope while highlighting the scale of remaining challenges.