European Eel (Anguilla anguilla)

The European eel is a catadromous migratory eel species that is currently facing severe population declines across its migratory route. Declines over the last 40 years are attributed to habitat loss and degradation, the construction of dams, decrease in water quality, overfishing, disease and climate change. In appearance, the eel looks smooth and lacks obvious gills and scales. It can be found in rivers and ditches. They range in colour from silver to olive-green and have yellow bellies.

• Avoid reusing equipment from the kits for different samples to limit the risk of contamination between sites.
• Avoid stepping into the water – this can stir up sediment, throwing up sediment DNA and any inhibitory molecules present. Sediment may clog the filter and prevent sufficient volumes of water being filtered.