A new eel pass has been installed at Newquay’s Trenance Boating Lake to help the critically endangered species thrive.
Cormac, Cornwall Council, The Environment Agency, Newquay Marine Group installed the town’s first eel ladder by the main sluice to provide an easier way European brown eel to move through into the lake and further upstream.
The ladder is made from muscle growing rope and aims to give the young elvers a helping hand.
Laura Guy-Wilkinson, the chair of Newquay Marine Group, said: “The Marine group have been monitoring the population of eels in the boating lake and Trenance stream for two years and have partnered with Newquay Zoo to complete some scientific surveys.
“The European eel is critically endangered and little is known about them.
“What we do know is that they have one of the largest migrations of any animal traveling from the Sargasso Sea to fresh water where they live for many years maturing before they journey back to mate.
“Weirs, fences and walls are obstacles that make their journey a little harder so the group hope the eel pass will give them a helping hand.
“We have installed several pieces of mussel rope which has been used in other places as an aid for fish and eel passage.
“This rope gives them something to cling to when the water flow is too strong. It also can reduce flow in certain places allowing the eels to move a little easier.
“The rope has been added to both sides of the sluice and will be installed in a few of the smaller weirs along Trenance Stream towards the zoo.
“We know we have eels but we want to give them the best chance of moving into and out of our waterways so they can continue their migration.
“The group will continue to monitor over the winter and spring.”
If anyone sees eels then let Newquay Marine Group know [email protected]
Trenance Cornwall councillor Olly Monk said: “I have worked with Newquay Marine Group on getting the necessary permission from Cornwall Council and the Environment Agency and was very pleased to see the ladder put in place.”