Petition · past parliament · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Ban the fishing of critically endangered elvers in England

Closed 35 signatures

What the petition asks

I would like a full ban on the fishing of elvers (young eels) in England. Since the 1980s the European eel population has decreased by 98% and is now listed as critically endangered. The Government must take action to protect this species.
Fishing for the young in large quantities is still allowed (although it is controlled). Due to their rarity, the price of them has soared in recent years averaging £150 a kilo on the legal market. This price can dramatically increase into the thousands on the black market. If this doesn't end soon then there is a very real chance this species will go extinct from our waterways.

Timeline

11 Jul 2023 Petition opened for signatures
11 Jan 2024 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 35
Status Closed
Department Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Opened 11 Jul 2023
Closed 11 Jan 2024

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.