Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Silver Eel Migration and Behaviour

  • Chapter
Spawning Migration of the European Eel

Part of the book series: Fish & Fisheries Series ((FIFI,volume 30))

After their first transatlantic migration, larvae metamorphose into ‘glass eels’ and swim into estuarine areas of river deltas. The glass eels develop into the so-called elvers (˜65 mm) which swim up the rivers. They enter inland waters of northern Africa and Europe during different periods; Morocco: September—October; Spain, Portugal, South France: November—December; North France: January—March; British Islands and the Netherlands: February—April and Scandinavia: April-May. After reaching a length of 30 cm, elvers become known as yellow eels. These specimens have moved inland to coastal seawater or inland freshwater and continue to grow for some 8–15 years (males) up to 10–18 years (females), but they even may become much older.

After their period of growth, in preparation of their return trip to the spawning grounds, the eels transform into silver eel. Once the eel has undergone pre-puberty or “silvering”, which is accompanied by marked changes in morphology, body constitution and other features (see Chapter 2), it is ready to start its spawning migration. Its lifestyle changes radically. As we have seen in Chapter 2, silver eels stop feeding, they have already acquired salinity tolerance while still living in freshwater and finally they have begun their puberty. As European eels, Anguilla anguilla, spawn in the Sargasso sea, the silver eels must migrate from inland or coastal waters over a distance of about 6,000 km to reach this area. Somehow silver eels are triggered by environmental factors to start their migration.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 169.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Acou A, Laffaille P, Legault A, Feunteun E (2008) Migration pattern of silver eel (Anguilla anguilla, L.) in an obstructed river system. Ecology of Freshwater Fish 17: 432–442.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Adam B (1999) Aalabwanderung — ergebinsse von Versuchen in Modellgerinnen. Arbeiten des Deutschen Fischereiverbandes 70: 37–68.

    Google Scholar 

  • Adam B (2000) MIGROMAT® — ein Frühwarnsystem zur Erkennung der Aalabwanderung. Wasser and Boden 52(4): 16–19.

    Google Scholar 

  • Adam B and Bruijs MCM (2006) General requirements of fish protection and downstream migration facilities. Investigations on the river Meuse system. In Free Passage for Aquatic Fauna in Rivers and Other Water Bodies. Proceedings of the International DWA Symposium on Water Resources Management. April 3–7, 2006, Berlin, Germany.

    Google Scholar 

  • Adam B and Schwevers U (2001) Planungshulfen fur den Bau funktionsfahiger Fischaufstiegsanlagen. Bibliothek Natur and Wissenschaft, Band 17: 64S.

    Google Scholar 

  • Adam B, Schwevers U and Dumont U (1999) Beiträge zum Schutz abwandernder Fische —Verhaltensbeobachtungen in einem Modellgerinne — Solingen (Verlag Natur and Wissenschaft), Bibliothek Natur und Wissenschaft 16: 63S.

    Google Scholar 

  • Adam B, Schwevers U and Dumont U (2002) Rechen- und Bypassanordnungen zum Schutz abwandernder Aale. Wasserwirtschaft 92(4–5): 43–46.

    Google Scholar 

  • Amaral SV, Winchell FC, McMahon BJ and Dixon DA (2003) Evaluation of angled bar racks and louvers for guiding silver phase American eels. American Fisheries Society, Symposium 33, pp. 367–376.

    Google Scholar 

  • ATV-DVWK (2004) ATV-DVWK-Themen WW-8.1: Fischschutz- und Fischabstiegsanlagen — Bemessung, Gestaltung, Funktionskontrolle. Hennef (ATV-DVWK — Deutsche Vereinigung für Wasserwirtschaft, Abwasser und Abfall e.V.) 256S.

    Google Scholar 

  • Behrmann-Godel J and Eckmann R (2003) A preliminary telemetry study of the migration of silver European eel (Anguilla anguilla L.) in the River Mosel, Germany. Ecology of Freshwater Fish 12: 196–202.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Berg R (1986) Fish passage through Kaplan turbines at a power plant on the River Neckar and subsequent eel injuries. Vie Milieu 36: 307–310.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bergersen R, Klemetsen A (1988) Freshwater eel Anguilla anguilla L. from North Norway with emphasis on occurrence, food, age and downstream migration. Nordic Journal of Freshwater Research 64: 54–66.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bertin L (1951) Les anguilles. Variation, croissance, euryhalinité, toxicité, hermaphrodisme juvénile et sexualité, migrations, métamorphoses, Vol. Paris: Payot.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boetius J (1967) Experimental indication of lunar activity in European silver eels, Anguilla anguilla. Medelelser fra Danmarks Fiskeri og Havundersøgelser 6(1): 1–6.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bräutigam R (1961) Über Versuche zur Intensivierung des Blankaalfangs durch die Kombination von Lichtsperren und Großreusen und ihre grundsätzlichen Bedingungen. Fischereiforschung; 4; (1/2); S. 19–25.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bräutigam R (1962) Intensivierung des Blankaalfangs mit Hilfe von Lichtsperrketten und Bedingungen der gewerblichen Anwendung. Fischereiforschung: 5: 6: S. 8–15.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bruijs MCM, Polman HJG, Van Aerssen GHFM, Hadderingh RH, Winter HV, Deerenberg C, Jansen HM, Schwevers U, Adam B, Dumont U and Kessels N (2003) Management of silver eel: Human impact on downstream migrating eel in the river Meuse. EU-Report Contract Q5RS-2000–31141.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bruijs MCM Hadderingh RH, Schwevers U, Adam B, Dumont U, Winter HV (In press) Managing human impact on downstream migrating European eel (Anguilla anguilla) in the River Meuse. In Eels at the Edge science, status and conservation concerns. Casselman JM and Cairns D (eds). Bethesda, MD: American Fisheries Society, Symposium 58, Bethesda, Maryland.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brown LS (2005) Downstream passage of silver phase American eels at a small hydroelectric facility. M.Sc. thesis, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, 122 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brown LS, Haro A and Castro-Santos T (2008) Three-dimensional movement of silver-phase American eels (Anguilla rostrata) in the forebay of a small hydroelectric facility. In Casselman JM and Cairns D (eds) Eels at the Edge. Bethesda, MD: American Fisheries Society, Symposium 58 (in press).

    Google Scholar 

  • Brown LS, Haro A and Castro-Santos T (in press) Three-dimensional movement of silverphase American eels (Anguilla rostrata) in the forebay of a small hydroelectric facility. In Eels at the edge: science, status, and conservation concerns. Casselman JM and Cairns DK (eds.) American Fisheries Society, Symposium 58, Bethesda, Maryland.

    Google Scholar 

  • Carton G (2001) Do fish have feelings? Discovering how fish detect water flows. Water & Atmosphere 9(3): 10–11.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cullen P and McCarthy TK (2003) Hydrometric and meteorological factors affecting the seaward migration of silver eels (Anguilla anguilla, L.) in the lower River Shannon. Environmental Biology of Fishes 67: 349–357.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Deelder CL (1954) Factors affecting the migration of the silver eel in Dutch inland waters. Journal du Conseil Permanent International Pour I'Exploration de la Mer, 20: 177–185.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dixon DA (ed) (2003) Biology, Management, and Protection of Catadromous Eels, Vol. Bethesda, MD: American Fisheries Society, Symposium 33.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dönni W, Maier KJ and Vicentini H (2001) Bestandsentwicklung des Aals (Anguilla anguilla) im Hochrhein. Mitteilungen zur Fischerei Nr. 69. Bundesamt für Umwelt, Wald und Landschaft (BUWAL), Bern.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dumont U, Danderer P and Schwevers U (2005) Handbuch Querbauwerke. Düsseldorf (Ministerium für Umwelt und Naturschutz, Landwirtschaft und ländlichen Raum NRW), 212S.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dumont U (2006) Report on the restoration of the longitudinal connectivity of the river Sieg. Ingenieubüro Floecksmühle. March, 2006. pp 15.

    Google Scholar 

  • Durif C (2004) Thesis abstract: The downstream migration of the European eel Anguilla anguilla: Characterisation of migrating silver eels, migration phenomenon, and obstacle avoidance. Cybium 28: 26.

    Google Scholar 

  • Durif C, Elie P, Gosset C, Rives J, and Travade F (2003) Behavioral study of downstream migrating eels by radio-telemetry at a small hydroelectric power plant. In Dixon DA (ed) Biology, Management, and Protection of Catadromous Eels. Bethesda, MD: American Fisheries Society, Symposium 33, pp. 343–356.

    Google Scholar 

  • Durif C, Dufour S, and Elie P (2005) The silvering process of Anguilla anguilla: A new classification from the yellow resident to the silver migrating stage. Journal of Fish Biology 66: 1025–1043.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Durif CMF and Elie P (2008) Prediction of downstream migration of silver eels in a large river catchment based on commercial fishery data. Fisheries Management and Ecology 15: 127–137.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Durif CMF, Travade F, Rives J, Elie P and Gosset C (2008) Relationship between locomotor activity, environmental factors, and timing of the spawing migration in the European eel, Anguilla anguilla. Aquatic Living Resources 21: 163–217.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • DWA, 2005. DWA Topics: Fish protection technologies and downstream fishways. Dimensioning, Design, Effectiveness Inspecion. July 2005. Deutsche Vereinigun fur Wasserwirtschaft, Abwasser und Abfall e.V. pp 226.

    Google Scholar 

  • EC (2000) Water Framework Directive, 2000/60/EC.

    Google Scholar 

  • EC (2005) Proposal for the recovery of the European eel stock, COM(2005) 472.

    Google Scholar 

  • EC (2006) Proposal for a Council Regulations establishing measures for the recovery of the stock of the European eel. 9247/06. May 11, 2006.

    Google Scholar 

  • EC (2007) Proposal for a Council Regulation establishing measures for the recovery of the stock of European eel. 13139/05 PECHE 203 — COM(2005) 472 final. June 5, 2007.

    Google Scholar 

  • Euston ET, Royer DD, and Simons CL (1997) Relationship of emigration of silver American eels (Anguilla rostrata) to environmental variables at a low head hydro station. Proceedings of the International Conference on Hydropower 1997: 549–558.

    Google Scholar 

  • Feunteun E, Acou A, Lafaille P, and Legault A (2000) The European Eel: Prediction of spawner escapement from continental population parameters. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 57: 1627–1635.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gerhardt (1893) Über Aalleitern und Aalpässe. Zeitschrift für Fischerei 1 S. 194–199.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gosset C and Travade F (1999) Etude de dispositifs d'aide a la migration de dévalaison des salmonidae: Barrières comportementales. Cybium 23(suppl 1): 45–66.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gosset C, Travade F, Durif C, Rives J, Elie P (2005) Tests of two types of bypass for downstream migration of eels at a small hydroelectric power plant. River Research and Applications 21: 1095–1105.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hadderingh RH (1982) Experimental reduction of fish impingement by artificial illumination at Bergum power station. Int. Revue ges. Hydrobiol. 67: 887–900.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hadderingh RH, Van der Stope JW and Habraken JWPM (1992) Deflecting eels from water inlets of power stations with light. Irish Fisheries Investigations Series A (Freshwater) 36, 80–89.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hadderingh RH and Bakker HD (1998) Fish mortality due to passage through hydroelectric power stations on the Meuse and Vecht rivers. In Jungwirth M, Schmutz S and Weiss S (eds) Fish Migration and Fish Bypasses. Oxford: Fishing News Books, pp. 315–328.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hadderingh RH and Bruijs MCM (2002) Hydroelectric power stations and fish migration. Tribune de l'eau 55(619–620/5–6): 79–87.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hadderingh RH, Beijer RFLJ De, Van Aerssen GHFM and Van Der Velde G (1999) Reaction of silver eels on underwater light sources and water currents: An experimental study. Regulated Rivers: Research and Management 15: 356–371.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hain JHW (1975) The behaviour of migratory eels, Anguilla anguilla, in response to current, salinity and lunar period. Helgolander Wissenschaftliche Meeresuntersuchungen. 27: 211–233.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hansen LP and Jonsson B (1985) Downstream migration of hatchery-reared smolts of Altantic salmon (Salmo salar) in the river Imsa, Norway. Aquaculture 45: 237–248.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Haraldstad O, Vøllestad LA and Jonsson B (1985) Descent of European silver eels, Anguilla anguilla, in a Norwegian watercourse. Journal of Fish Biology 26: 37–41.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Haro A, Castro-Santos T and Boubée J (2000) Behavior, and passage of silver-phase Ameican eels, Anguilla rostrata (LeSueur) at a small hydroelectric facility. Dana 12:33–42.

    Google Scholar 

  • Haro A, Castro-Santos T, Whalen K, Wippelhauser G and McLaughlin L (2003) Simulated effects of hydroelectric project regulation on mortality of American eels. In: D.A. Dixon (ed.) Biology, Management, and Protection of Catadromous Eels. Bethesda, MD: American Fisheries Society, pp. 357–365.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hölke H (1964) Aalfang mit Hilfe von elektrischen Licht in der Fluss-Fischerei. Deutsche Fischerei Zeitung 11: 82–88.

    Google Scholar 

  • Holzner M (2000) Neue Versuche zur Schaden minimierung bei der Aalabwanderung. SVK Fischereitagung, Künzell, March 1–2, 2000, pp. 8.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hvidsten NA (1985) Yield of silver eel and factors effecting downstream migration in the stream Imsa, Norway. Institute of Freshwater Research Drottningholm Report 62: 75–85.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jansen HM, Winter H V, Bruijs MCM and Polman HJG (2007) Just go with the flow? Route selection and mortality during downstream migration of silver eels in relation to river discharge. ICES Journal of Marine Science 64: 1437–1443.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jens G (1952–1953) Über den lunaren Rhythmus der Blankaalwanderung. Arch. für Fischereiwissenschaft. 4: 94–110.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jonsson N (1991) Influence of water flow, water temperature and light on fish migration in rivers. Nordic Journal of Freshwater Research 66: 20–35.

    Google Scholar 

  • Korringa P (1947) Relations between the moon and periodicity in the breeding of marine animals. Ecological Monographs 17: 347–381.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kroes MJ, Gough P, Schollema PP and Wanningen H (2006) From sea to source; Practical guidance for restoration of fish migration in European rivers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Larinier M (1998) Upstream and downstream fish passage experience in France. In: Jungwirth, M., Schmutz, S. & Weiss, S. (eds.) Fish migration and fish bypasses. Fishing News Books, Oxford. 127–145.

    Google Scholar 

  • Larinier M and Travade F (1998) Petits aménagements hydroélectriques et libre circulation des poissons migrateurs. Houille Blanche 8: 46–51.

    Google Scholar 

  • Larinier M and Travade F (2002) Downstream migration: Problems and facilities. Bulletin Français de la Pêche et de la Pisciculture 634: 181–207.

    Google Scholar 

  • Larinier M, Porcher JP, Travade F and Gosset C (1996) Passes à Poissons. Expertise, conception des ouvrages de franchissement. Conseil Supérieur de la Pêche, Paris, pp. 336.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lobon-Cervia J and Carrascal M (1992) Seasonal timing of silver eels in a Cantabrian stream. Archiv fur Hydrobiologie 125: 121–126.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lowe RH (1952) The influence of light and other factors on the seaward migration of the silver eel, Anguilla anguilla. Journal of Animal Ecology 21(2): 275–309.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Oberwahrenbrock K (1999) Aalschutzinitiative Rheinland-Pfalz/RWE-Energie AG., Projektfortshrittsbericht 1, Stand der Arbeiten an den Projektzielen a, b und c zum Januar 1999. pp 78.

    Google Scholar 

  • Okamura A, Yamanda Y, Mikawa N, Tanaka S and Oka HP (2002) Exotic silver eels Anguilla anguilla in Japanese waters: seaward migration and environmental factors. Aquatic Living Resources 15, 335–341.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Poole WR, Reynolds JD, Moriarty C (1990) Observations on the silver eel migrations of the Burrishoole river system, Ireland, 1959 to 1988. Internationale Revue Der Gesamten Hydrobiologie 75: 807–815.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Raben Von K (1955) Kaplanturbinen und Fische. Wasserwirtschaft 45: 196–200.

    Google Scholar 

  • Raben Von K (1957) Über Turbinen und ihre schädliche Wirkung auf Fische. Zeitschrift für Fischerei und deren Hilfwissenschaften, Band VI N.F. Heft 1–8: 171–182.

    Google Scholar 

  • Richkus WA and Dixon DA (2003) Review of research and technologies on passage and protection of downstream migrating catadromous eels at hydroelectric facilities. In Dixon DA (ed) Biology, Management, and Protection of Catadromous Eels. Bethedsa, MD: American Fisheries Society, Symposium 33, pp. 377–388.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schwevers U (1998) Die Biologie der Fischwanderung, Bibliothek Natur and Wissenschaft Band 11, VNW Verlag Natur and Wissenschaft Solingen, pp. 84. Tesch F-W (1977) The Eel. London: Chapman & Hall.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tesch FW (2003) The Eel. Fifth edition. Oxford: Blackwell.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thorpe JE, Ross LG, Struthers G and Watts W (1981) Tracking Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) through Loch Voil, Scotland. Journal of Fish Biology 19: 519–537.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Todd PR (1981) Timing and periodicity of migrating New Zealand freshwater eels (Anguilla spp.). New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research 15: 225–235.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Travade F and Larinier M (1992) La migration de dévalaison: Problèmes et dispositifs. Bulletin Francais de la Pêche et de la Pisciculture 326/327: 165–176.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Van Drimmelen DE (1951) Vangst van schieraal met behulp van licht. Visserij Nieuws 3: 137–140

    Google Scholar 

  • Vøllestad LA, Jonsson B, Hvidsten NA, Næsje TF, Haraldstad O and Ruud-Hansen J (1986) Environmental factors regulating the seaward migration of European silver eels. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 43: 1909–1916.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vøllestad LA, Jonsson B, Hvidsten NA and Naesje TF (1994) Experimental test of environmental factors influencing the seaward migration of European silver eels. Journal of Fish Biology 45: 641–651.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Watene EM, Boubée JAT and Haro A (2003) Downstream movement of mature eels in a hydroelectric reservoir in New Zealand. In Dixon DA (ed) Biology, Management, and Protection of Catadromous Eels. Bethesda, MD: American Fisheries Society, Symposium Series 3, pp. 295–305.

    Google Scholar 

  • Westin L (2003) Migration failure in stocked eels Anguilla anguilla. Marine Ecology Progress Series 254: 307–311.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Winter HV, Jansen HM and Bruijs MCM (2006) Assessing the impact of hydropower and fisheries on downstream migrating silver eel, Anguilla anguilla, by telemetry in the River Meuse. Ecology of Freshwater Fish 15: 221–228.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. KEMA Technical and Operational Services, P.O. Box 9035, ET Arnhem, 6800, The Netherlands

    Maarten C. M. Bruijs

  2. Center for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1066, Blindern, 0316, Oslo

    Caroline M. F. Durif

  3. Institute of Marine Research, Storebø, 5392, Norway

    Caroline M. F. Durif

Authors
  1. Maarten C. M. Bruijs
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Caroline M. F. Durif
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Biology, Leiden University, POB 9516, RA Leiden, 2300, The Netherlands

    Guido van den Thillart

  2. UMR CNRS 5178 “Biology of Marine Organisms and Ecosystems” 7 rue Cuvier, CP 32, Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle DMPA, 75231 Paris cedex 05, France

    Sylvie Dufour

  3. Department of Chemical and Biological Science, University of Huddersfield Queensgate, HD1 3DH, UK

    J. Cliff Rankin

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2009 Springer Science + Business Media B.V

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Bruijs, M.C.M., Durif, C.M.F. (2009). Silver Eel Migration and Behaviour. In: van den Thillart, G., Dufour, S., Rankin, J.C. (eds) Spawning Migration of the European Eel. Fish & Fisheries Series, vol 30. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-9095-0_4

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation