Partnership study to support European eel recovery

The European eel is one of the UK’s most remarkable, and most threatened species, playing an important role in the health of our rivers and wetlands. Born in the Sargasso Sea, these fish travel thousands of miles to reach our waterways. However, their numbers have declined sharply, and many now struggle to complete this journey due to barriers such as sluices, culverts, and tidal structures.

To better understand this challenge, the North Kent Marshes Water Level Management Board (NKMWLMB) worked in partnership with the Medway Swale Estuary Partnership, the Port of London Authority, The eDNA Consultancy, and local volunteers to investigate eel presence across the Hoo Peninsula.

Using environmental DNA (eDNA), water samples were collected and analysed for traces of eel DNA. This simple but effective method allows us to detect species without needing to physically see or catch them, making it particularly useful in complex wetland environments.

During spring and early summer 2025, surveys were carried out across 16 watercourses and 6 tidal outfalls. Eels were detected at 25 out of 47 sites, confirming their continued presence across the marshes while also highlighting locations where structures may be restricting movement upstream.

This project has also demonstrated the value of working with local communities.Volunteers played a key role in collecting samples, helping to build a better understanding of the marshes and supporting conservation in a practical way.

The findings will help guide future work to improve connectivity across the drainage network, including identifying priority locations for barrier improvements. By taking a targeted, partnership led approach, we can support the recovery of this critically endangered species while continuing to manage water levels effectively.