ObstacEels: Prosiect Llyswen

In a bid to aid the migration of the endangered European Eel from the brink of extinction, the North Wales Rivers Trust has launched a new conservation project - Prosiect Llysywen!

Inspired by our friends from New Zealand! We've found a way to create cutting-edge, low-cost eel substrates that will revolutionise Eel migration in man-made river obstacles such as steps and culverts.

An example of a man made obstruction on the Conwy.

The film above shows the issue of man made structures on Eel migration.

By partnering up with Menai Strait's fearless mussel farmers as part of our partnership with the Menai Strait Partnership Forum. We are utilising mussel rope as a cost effective solution to aid Eel migration across the catchment. These artificial substrates are tailor-made havens, to help Eels navigate the trickiest obstacles during their daring migrations.

Prosiect Llyswen is currently working on pilot installations of mussel rope eel passes on the Conwy and the Llyfni catchment. Once we have monitored these special Eelsments we will be looking for culverts that would benefit from this solution.

But that's not all - Prosiect Llyswen will unleash a whirlwind of surveys over the coming year. Join us as we plunge into the heart of Eel territory, delving into the enigmatic world of ObstacEels. We are launching a geo data map where the public can help us log potential culverts and man made obstacles that would benefit from mussel rope Eel passes.

Keep an eye out on our events page for guided river walks where we will be on the hunt for evidence of these slippery and elusive Eels and our upcoming snorkel surveys.

Take a look below at why Eels are one of the most intriguing and mysterious creatures of our waterways,