Angler Associations Release Over 3 Million Eels and Burbot into Lower Saxony Rivers

Angler associations in Germany's Lower Saxony have concluded their largest species conservation effort for 2026, releasing an impressive 3.2 million European eels and 109,300 burbot into the region's waterways. This extensive operation involved over 200 angling clubs from Borkum to Osnabrück and Amt Neuhaus to Duderstadt.

The primary goal is to bolster populations of species listed on the Red List of endangered animals. The European eel (Anguilla anguilla) faces a perilous journey, with human-made obstacles like hydropower plants disrupting its migration route from Germany to the Sargasso Sea in the North Atlantic, where it spawns. Adding to these challenges, young eels, known as glass eels, are frequently victims of illegal smuggling rings that sell them as a delicacy to East Asia.

Furthermore, the Anglerverband Niedersachsen points to an increase in natural predators, particularly cormorants, whose populations have grown significantly. To combat these threats, the association has coordinated the distribution of glass eels sourced from certified fisheries near Biarritz, France, for many years. These young eels are transported in refrigerated styrofoam boxes within 24 hours to Bramsche, Lower Saxony, where they are received by local angling clubs for release into rivers and streams.

The burbot (Lota lota), the only freshwater species of the cod family, is also critically endangered in Lower Saxony. Described as a cold-loving predatory fish, it is not widely known but is a fascinating part of Northern Germany's ichthyofauna. The loss of naturally flooded river floodplains, vital nurseries for young burbot, has severely hampered their reproduction. To address this, the association raises young burbot under near-natural conditions. This year, over 100,000 young burbot were provided to 44 angling clubs and fishing cooperatives, finding new homes in various waters like the Aller, Aue, Dümmer, Else, Fuhse, and Hunte rivers.