Jul 21
ObstacEELS – become a trained volunteer and help us map obstacles to eel migration (T21 online training session)
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Join the Thames21 Eel Force to help survey barriers to eel migration across the Ravensbourne catchment. This is a citizen science training developed by ZSL , working with project partners of the Thames Catchment Community Eels Project. Our aim is to collect data to enable a strategic approach to future eel projects, such as weir removal or modification/eel pass installation and improve the future of the critically endangered European eel.
Citizen Science ObstacEELS Training
This session is a 1.5 hour zoom comprising of the following:
- Introduction to the project and the challenges facing the European eel
- Guide to the newly updated River Obstacles App
- How to use the Eel Barrier Assessment Tool
- Survey planning session – dividing the catchment between us
After completion of the online training, participants will be able to survey specified stretches of their local river using the River Obstacles App. The first sessions will be attended by a trained member of Thames21 or ZSL staff to support and finish the training process.
Why is this important?
The European eel urgently needs our help. Numerous challenges face this fascinating species including ‘river obstacles’, such as weirs, sluices and locks which can prevent upstream migration for eels – a vital part of their life cycle.
Contact Oli on oli.back@thames21.org.uk or 07597 577 793 to book your place and help us map the barriers to eel migration.
This project is funded by the government’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund. The fund is being delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England and the Environment Agency.