The American Eel - An Adirondack Solution?

     Our readings, class discussions, and blogs have often touched upon the negative effects that humans have had on Adirondack wildlife. Among other things, hunting, pollution, and the introduction of invasive species, have significantly altered populations and behaviors. Take, for instance, the American eel. As a catadromous species, one that journeys downstream from freshwater to spawn, the eel covers tremendous distances. The American eel is born in the Sargasso Sea, the area of the Atlantic adjacent to the East Coast, and travels north to the freshwater rivers and lakes of the Adirondacks. The large number of dams in New York, though, make this task difficult (Parnapy). Even the presence of fish ladders on some dams does not quite resolve the dilemma. While certainly an issue in Adirondack ecosystems, the lack of eels also detracts from the profitable business of eel fishing.

     As the demand for eel has grown, eel fishing has become particularly profitable. The demand grew noticeably in Asia, particularly after the ban of European eel exports by the European Union in 2010. This caused prices to rise from under $200 per pound in 2010 to up to $2,600 in 2012. With this rise, Maine fisherman have taken advantage of the large populations of eel still present in the rivers and lakes. During the peak of elver fishing, a fisherman can often make between $3,000 and $4,000 a night. Some manage to make up to $10,000.  Thus far, this fishing has been poorly regulated, as only a glass eel fishing license is required to fish an unlimited amount. Nonetheless, American eel fishing certainly seems profitable.

     It is interesting then to consider how this might apply to the Adirondacks. The American eel may contain high levels of PCB and its population seems to be dwindling, particularly as a result of dams. Imagine, though, increasing the amounts of fish ladders and regulating water purity where and when possible. If this were at all possible, the long term benefits, both environmentally and economically, would be immense. The American eel is but one example of a damaged species that could provide huge benefits to surrounding regions.


Thank you to Kate Brouns (writing center tutor) for editing assistance.

Sources

"Adirondack Region Fish Advisories." Adirondack Region Fish Advisories. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Apr. 2015.

Davis, John. "American Eels in the Lake Champlain Basin." Essex on Lake Champlain. N.p., 01 May 2014. Web. 21 Apr. 2015.

Parnapy, Corrina. "Adirondack Fish: American Eel." The Adirondack Almanack. N.p., 18 Aug. 2011. Web. 21 Apr. 2015.

Sneed, Annie. "Glass Eel Gold Rush Casts Maine Fishermen against Scientists." Scientific American Global RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Apr. 2015.