DOI:10.1051/kmae/2009004 Opinion paper

• Main Authors: É. Lasne, P. Laffaille
• Other Authors: The Pennsylvania State University CiteSeerX Archives
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Subjects: European eel
• Online Access: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.670.1233; http://emilien.lasne.free.fr/index_fichiers/LasneetLaffailleKMAE.pdf

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.