Author manuscript, published in "Knowledge and Management of Aquatic Ecosystems vol. 390-391 (2009)" DOI:10.1051/kmae/2009004 Assessing the freshwater distribution of yellow eel

• Main Authors: É. Lasne, P. Laffaille
• Other Authors: The Pennsylvania State University CiteSeerX Archives
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 2012
• Subjects: European eel
• Online Access: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.397.8521; http://hal.inria.fr/docs/00/74/41/62/PDF/lasne_6213.pdf

colonization, size classes, logistic model, population management In the global context of the decline in wild species, modeling the distribution of populations is a crucial aspect of ecological management. This can be a major challenge, especially for species, such as the European eel, that have complex life cycles, exhibit cryptic behavior, or migrate over long distances. A review of the literature suggests that eel size data could be used to assess and analyze freshwater distribution of eel. We argue that analyses based on small yellow eels ( ≤ 300 mm) along the longitudinal course of rivers could provide a valuable tool for population monitoring. We propose a standardized catchment recruitment index and a colonization index based on the probability of occurrence (presence/absence data) using logistic models for different size classes. The model developed here provides a convenient guide for assessing yellow eel stages in freshwater areas, and should have concrete applications for management of the species. RÉSUMÉ Évaluation de la distribution des anguilles jaunes en eau douce