SEG members led by the Association of Rivers Trusts have come together to create a coherent joint programme of work running to many millions of pounds to the European Fishing Fund to support the unblocking of the migratory pathways, habitat restoration, stocking data and research. The overall aim of all this work is to accelerate the increase in silver eel escapement so that the European Recovery’s Programme of 40% is rapidly achieved.
The breadth of experience of the SEG members meant that there was the ‘know how’ within to immediately set up governance and appropriate structures to enable a virtual organisation to thrive. The generosity of members and their parent organisation to give their time and resources has enabled SEG to start to influence the eel recovery programme in the UK and now with its continental members across Europe too.