Implications of the first recording of European silver eels Anguilla anguilla in the inland waters of Cyprus

Abstract

Migrating silver European eels Anguilla anguilla are reported from the inland waters of the island of Cyprus for the first time, expanding the known geographic range in the Eastern Mediterranean of emigrating adults of this critically endangered, catadromous species. Silver eels were captured attempting to migrate to sea from two separate locations. This is important, as Cyprus was previously exempt from European eel management plans due to a presumed absence of significant eel populations, especially of the silver life stage. This now requires urgent review to ensure these populations are managed appropriately.

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