Extranet BSCW

Archives

The aim of the INDICANG project is to share knowledge about the exploitation of the European eel, its habitat and its evolution between participants who, for different reasons, all have an interest in this resource.

The eel is socially and economically crucial for sea and inland fishing communities of the Atlantic area but is currently in a definite decline. There are various reasons: barriers to migration, pollution, disappearance of eel habitat, increased fishing pressure etc.

A high number of signatories, sponsors, institutions and scientific organisations have become partners in this project showing that there is an interest in this species and concern about its future.

INDICANG is the first network with participants spreading from Cornwall in the UK to Northern Portugal. Its aim is to obtain a synoptic view of the status of the species by setting up an information and action network. The project must demonstrate to the European Community and decision makers at all levels through examples, that there have been various actions and intense efforts on the part of all participants to ensure that the eel remains part of our social, economic and biological heritage. It must also explain the need to start a policy to restore habitats as soon as possible. Without this policy the species is potentially doomed to extinction.