Stock abundance and estimation of European eel stocks in Estonian waters

European eel (Anguilla anguilla) stock has been in decline for decades and the fixtures for eel catches in the Baltic Sea show a steady diminishing rate . European Union has stated that serious measures have to be implemented concerning the decline of the eel stock (Council Regulation No 1100/2007). Furthermore this regulation requires all member states to elaborate local eel management plans (EMPs).  These EMPs must include an overview of the status of both stocked and natural eel stock.  While stocked populations of eel in Estonia have been studied in detail the natural populations which inhabit the coastal waters are far less examined.  Most of the data available comes from professional and recreational fishermen catches with only a small fragment being collected scientifically. This study gives an overview of the degression of eel stocks in Estonian waters relying on professional and recreational fisheries data.