  |
 |
 |
 |
Delaware Home
About Us
News
Programs
Technical Resources
Partnerships
Contact Us |
   |
|
|
NEWSUnited States Department of Agriculture New Eelway removes barrier for American eels in DelawareDOVER, Del., December 3, 2008-- American eels migrating upstream this winter will now have one less barrier to overcome when seeking fresh water in some of Delaware’s river bodies. Recently, the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays (CIB) installed an eelway on the Betts Pond Dam in Sussex County. This new passageway will allow eels to maneuver over the 8-foot dam in an effort to reach additional sources of freshwater, food and cover. For more than 230 years, the height of the Betts Pond Dam had been an impediment to eel migration and other fish. Without proper eel migration, a critical link in the ecosystem is missing. “One reason we wanted to get them over the dam, is so they can spread out over other water bodies—thus reducing disease, overcrowding, and increasing food sources for other species,” said Eric Buehl, CIB Habitat Coordinator. Eels are important because they serve as a food source for fish, birds, heron, osprey and otters; they are used as bait and also help to clean up area waters by eating other animals including those that are dead or dying. In addition, their waste is broken down and used by smaller organisms. In March 2007, CIB placed a trap below Betts Pond and results showed that eels were not able to pass over the dam. After analyzing the findings, CIB designed a plan to properly allow eel passage over the privately owned dam. They worked with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to fund 75 percent of the project, or $1,500, through the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP). “This is an excellent example of a cooperative project that is beneficial in restoring the historic range of an important Delaware species,” said Sally Kepfer, NRCS State Resource Conservationist. According to research, eels hatch in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and migrate towards freshwater along the Atlantic Coast to mature to their adult stage. Betts Pond is one freshwater source for eels that can be reached through the Indian River Inlet between Dewey and Bethany beaches. CIB has already begun monitoring the eelway, although the mass migration usually begins in February and continues until April. This is CIB’s second completed eelway in the Inland Bays watershed. In 2005, CIB put an eelway on Millsboro Pond Dam. In one night, watchers recorded 600 eels that passed through. Additional information regarding the success of the migration through the eelway will be released as it becomes available. For more information on the eelway, please contact Eric Buehl at 302-226-8105. For information on WHIP, please contact Tim Garrahan, 302-678-4260 or visit www.de.nrcs.usda.gov/programs.
# |
|
|
|
Back to Top