APEM provide expert advice on compliance with the Eels (England and Wales) Regulations (2009) and the Irish Fishing Regulations, including eel screening and eel entrainment at water intakes and eel passage at barriers to migration.
With some of Europe’s leading eel experts on our staff, we help to find cost-effective measures to support efforts to protect this critically endangered species.
Dramatic declines in the numbers of European eels mean that the species is currently outside safe biological limits. The EU has therefore adopted regulations that aim to allow eel stocks to recover in a variety of ways. This regulation was transposed into UK law through The Eels Regulations.
The Eels Regulations give powers to the regulators (the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales) to implement recovery measures in all freshwater and estuarine waters in England and Wales.
The recovery measures:
Under the Eels Regulations, the regulators can serve notice to water abstractors detailing their legal obligation to screen intakes and outfalls for eel.
However, it may be possible to object to the screening obligation on the grounds of exemption. APEM assess a site, determine whether there is an exemption case and assist with negotiations with the regulator.
Where solutions are required, we carry out an options appraisal based on our extensive experience of the design of screens at different intake scenarios. Brief designs and CAPEX and OPEX costs are developed for the preferred solution, to inform a cost-benefit analysis.
APEM are experienced in using the cost-benefit model used by the Environment Agency and Defra, having applied it to numerous eel screening options appraisals throughout England and Wales. We have also critiqued the technique on behalf of the water industry.
If the preferred eel screening solution is not cost beneficial, we lead clients through the Environment Agency’s process for looking at alternative measures. We develop plans of alternative measures for approval by the regulator, and also manage their subsequent implementation.
For more information on the Eels Regulations and eel screening guidance, download our free guide: Eels (England and Wales) Regulations 2009.
The team at APEM would be happy to answer any questions you have about the Eels Regulations, Irish Fishing Regulations and solutions we offer to the water industry. Please use the form below to get in touch.
