Guidance

Eel and elver passes: design and build

Guidance for fish passes where existing obstructions prevent the safe passage of eel and elver travelling up stream.

• From: Environment Agency
• Published: 1 February 2011
• Last updated: 6 June 2023
  Show all updates

  1. 6 June 2023

     The Eel manual overview has been withdrawn from GOV.UK because it’s out of date. Added information about how to request updated versions of the technical guidance we've withdrawn, and on how to ask for advice from your local Environment Agency Fisheries Officer.

  2. 10 August 2022

     'Screening at intakes and outfalls: measures to protect eels' has been withdrawn from GOV.UK because it’s out of date. Added information about how to request updated versions of the technical guidance we've withdrawn, and on how to ask for advice from your local Environment Agency Fisheries Officer.

  3. 14 May 2021

     Eel & elver passes: manual for the design & implementation of passage solutions has been withdrawn from GOV.UK because it’s out of date.

  4. 13 October 2017

     New link to guidance on when you may need to install an eel pass or eel screen to a water structure.

  5. 1 February 2011

     First published.

Applies to England

Documents

[Withdrawn] Eel manual: overview

Ref: LIT 5411

PDF, 162 KB, 4 pages

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Stocking European eels

Ref: LIT 5414

PDF, 322 KB, 35 pages

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Monitoring eel and elver populations

Ref: LIT 5415

PDF, 1.44 MB, 41 pages

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[Withdrawn] Eel and elver passes: manual for the design and implementation of passage solutions

Ref: LIT 5412

PDF, 9.27 MB, 102 pages

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If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

[Withdrawn] Screening at intakes and outfalls: measures to protect eels

Ref: LIT 5413

PDF, 2.52 MB, 130 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Details

The manual includes criteria for prioritising sites and information on climbing substrates. It considers eel passage solutions at weirs, tidal flap gates and sluices.

Find out when you may need to fit an eel pass or screen to a water structure.

Contact the Environment Agency if you need a copy of updated technical guidance on:

• design and implementation of passage solutions for eel and elver
• screening at intakes and outfalls: measures to protect eel

You can also ask to speak to your local Environment Agency Fisheries Officer if you need advice on the Eels (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 and providing safe passage for eels.