The commercial push net fisheries for glass eels in France and its handling mortality

Glass eels, the young life stage of endangered European eel entering continental waters, are exploited for human consumption (direct, or on-grown) and restocking. Restocking is considered as a potential contribution to conservation stock. For this, mortality glass eels during capture should be low. We studied handling obtained by commercial push net fisheries in different rivers France 2019 2020. The direct 41 fishing trips 29 boats varied from zero 3.1% (mean 0.3%). Skin lesions identified staining occurred 31% (range: 4%–98%) eels. Post 67.2%. mean total was with 7.4% (range 0%–56.2%), considerably lower than previous studies. Sustainable Eel Group (SEG) issues certificates fishers applying best practices responsible fishery. Comparing certified uncertified fishers, have on average significant post-fishing rates, However, some an equal better quality fishers. Noting that score average, avoid worst scores, we conclude SEG-certification scheme effective.