Critically Endangered Eel Found In Wightlink’s Lymington Oyster Nursery

Sunday, 30 August 2020 10:51

By Iona Stewart-Richardson @IslandIona

Wightlink’s oyster nurseries are already proving a haven for marine wildlife after a rare eel was discovered.

Experts from the Blue Marine Foundation (BLUE) found a critically endangered European eel (Anguilla anguilla) at Wightlink’s Lymington ferry port while inspecting the site.

Nurseries containing hundreds of oysters have been placed in the Lymington River as part of BLUE’s initiative to re-introduce the shellfish to the Solent and eventually re-establish self-sustaining populations. These mature ‘broodstock’ oysters will release millions of larvae into the water.

Wightlink’s Chief Executive Keith Greenfield said:

“This is great news.These oysters are already improving water quality by removing pollutants, just one of them can filter up to 200 litres of water a day. We are delighted to hear this endangered eel has already been spotted and hope our nursery will continue to be a refuge for rare species.”

Endangered eel at Lymington

European eels begin life as eggs at the bottom of the Sargasso Sea in the North Atlantic, then spend a year or two migrating with the ocean current 4,000 miles to Europe, where they seek out freshwater habitats.

When mature, the eels return to their birthplace to spawn. Historically, they were caught in the River Thames and enjoyed in eel pies and as jellied eels but their numbers have declined in recent years. This could be due to over fishing, coastal development or pesticides.

Dr Luke Helmer from BLUE said:

“This was an exciting discovery and adds to our knowledge of the eel population in our estuaries. We have also found them in the River Itchen and Chichester Harbour, which could mean that these areas are important migratory routes or that the eels reside here for longer periods. We need to know more about this intriguing species and are keen to carry out research into the eel’s complex lifecycle.”

More from Isle of Wight News

Councillor Coy On Isle Of Wight Social Housing

The Isle of Wight Council leader says he ‘cannot guarantee’ council-owned sites listed for sale will be sold for social housing purposes, despite calls to do so from an opposition councillor.
Warning For Islanders Selling Vehicles To Be 'Scam Aware'

Motorists are being warned of a scam that sees potential buyers trying to knock money off the asking price by tampering with the vehicle.
Bus Fares Set To Rise Following Council Meeting

The Isle of Wight’s ruling administration has confirmed Island bus fares will go up to £3 following a question at Wednesday evening’s Full Council meeting.
Small Business Support Proposal Passed By Isle Of Wight Council

An appeal for the Isle of Wight Council to support small businesses and seek help from Westminster passed without opposition at County Hall yesterday.
Five-Year Isle Of Wight Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty Plan Unanimously Approved

A five-year plan for conserving and enhancing the Isle of Wight’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) was unanimously approved by councillors yesterday.
More Islanders Cross The Solent With Wightlink’s Discounted Fares For NHS Appointments

A year after Wightlink introduced the £70 maximum return ferry fare for Isle of Wight residents travelling to the mainland for NHS appointments, there has been an increase of more than 50 per cent in the number of crossings made by Islanders using these discounted fares*.
Hampshire And Isle Of Wight Air Ambulance Funds Defibrillators For The Community

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance has funded seven automated external defibrillators (AEDs) that will be in almost continuous circulation throughout the community, as they travel with staff and volunteers to events and talks that the charity attends.
Isle Of Wight Council Budget Pressures Likely To Continue Following Autumn Statement

The government’s Autumn Statement is “unlikely” to ease pressures on the Isle of Wight Council’s budget, its leader said in an update report.
Council Approves Support Package To Help Islanders On Low Incomes

An “opened up” support package to help Islanders on low incomes pay council tax was approved at a major Isle of Wight Council meeting yesterday (Wednesday).
Isle Of Wight Councillor In Mental Health Priority Motion

An Isle of Wight councillor has lodged a motion calling for mental health to be a ‘priority’ across all of County Hall’s areas of responsibility.
Bird Keepers Urged To Remain Vigilant Following Increased Avian Influenza Risk

Bird keepers across the Isle of Wight are being asked to protect their birds following an increase in the risk of bird flu.
Island Pupils Receive Lesson In Road Safety That Could Save Lives

The innovative Riot Act theatre-in-education performance group returned to the Isle of Wight last week to bring their unique and personal take on road safety and awareness to hundreds of Island students.
New Shanklin Flats Given Green Light

A main road in an Isle of Wight seaside town will get two new flats following a council decision today.
Joe Robertson Appointed Parliamentary Private Secretary For Shadow Culture, Media And Sport

Joe Robertson, Member of Parliament for Isle of Wight East, has been appointed as Parliamentary Private Secretary for the Shadow Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) team by new Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch.
Shanklin Company Making Nuclear Waste Sorting Safer, Greener And Cheaper

Nuclear waste has always been difficult to handle but an Isle of Wight firm is aiming to keep humans further away from the hazardous materials.
Five-Year Isle Of Wight Landscape Plan Decision On Horizon

A key County Hall forum will tomorrow decide on whether to approve a five-year plan for the Isle of Wight’s nationally important landscape.
Help Sought For Isle Of Wight's Struggling Small Businesses

Small businesses have been through “hell” in recent years and politicians should step in to help, an Isle of Wight councillor has said.
Primary School Admissions For September 2025 Now Open

The Isle of Wight Council would like to remind parents they can now register their children for primary school admissions, for the September 2025 school term.
Island Families Invited To Take Tour Of St Mary's Special Care Baby Unit

Families with infants requiring special care at St Mary’s Hospital can now take a virtual tour of the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) and take a look around the environment and the facilities available to families on the Island.
Work To Sink Three Boreholes At Leeson Road Due To Finish This Week

Work to sink three boreholes along Leeson Road, the deepest of which reaches a depth of 130 metres, is expected to finish this week.

Recently Played

Skin

Rag 'N' Bone Man
Download
The Promise

Girls Aloud
Download
When You're Gone

Shawn Mendes
Download

Councillor Coy On Isle Of Wight Social Housing
The Isle of Wight Council leader says he ‘cannot guarantee’ council-owned sites listed for sale will be sold for social housing purposes, despite calls to do so from an opposition councillor.
Warning For Islanders Selling Vehicles To Be 'Scam Aware'
Motorists are being warned of a scam that sees potential buyers trying to knock money off the asking price by tampering with the vehicle.
Bus Fares Set To Rise Following Council Meeting
The Isle of Wight’s ruling administration has confirmed Island bus fares will go up to £3 following a question at Wednesday evening’s Full Council meeting.
Small Business Support Proposal Passed By Isle Of Wight Council
An appeal for the Isle of Wight Council to support small businesses and seek help from Westminster passed without opposition at County Hall yesterday.

Critically Endangered Eel Found In Wightlink’s Lymington Oyster Nursery

Share

More from Isle of Wight News

Recently Played