Using a telemetry study to assess the boundary net efficiency of an enclosure system used for yellow eel density monitoring

• Published in: Fisheries Management and Ecology
• Main Authors: Dorow, Malte, Schulz, Steffen, Frankowski, Jens, Ubl, Claus
• Other Authors: State Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, European Fisheries and Marine Fund, European Fisheries Fund
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 2018
• Subjects: Anguilla anguilla
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/fme.12304; https://api.wiley.com/onlinelibrary/tdm/v1/articles/10.1111%2Ffme.12304; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/fme.12304

Abstract To assess yellow eel (Anguilla anguilla L.) densities in non‐tidal waters, 1‐ha enclosure approach was developed. For unbiased density and biomass calculations, the catchability of the system needs to be evaluated. A telemetry study with 49 tagged eels was conducted in 2015 and 2016 to verify the effectiveness of the 1.8‐m high boundary net. Excluding recaptured eels ( N = 10), 42.8% of the released eels ( N = 15) escaped the enclosure within 48 hr. Regarding the movement frequency, similar movement patterns were observed for enclosed and escaped eels within 48 hr after release. Based on the telemetry study, it is concluded that the boundary net is recognised as an obstacle by yellow eels, and reduces the escapement of enclosed eels.