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Biology and ecological fitness of the eel in the Mar Menor is the object of study that develops a team of researchers at the University of Murcia, led by professor of this institution Pilar Muñoz Ruiz.
The research work will analyze the phases in which penetrates eels in this lake and determinants of entry, as well as the influence of the bioaccumulation of contaminants and disease in the reproductive capacity of this species in the Mar Menor is in critical condition.
The study, which is funded by the Seneca Foundation and participation of the Oceanographic Centre of Murcia (Spanish Oceanographic Institute) and the Fisheries and Aquaculture Service of the Autonomous Community, will answer other biological questions eel, and frequency age, height at which it begins to mature and migrate, the estimated number of potential players and the factors behind their movements.
"The eel has a series of complex and exciting life," says Professor Pilar Muñoz, explaining that "the species breeds in the Sargasso Sea, where the larvae are carried by ocean currents to the coasts of Europe and North Africa, becoming eel here. "
"Once in the estuaries, estuaries and river mouths, eels upstream up until the time it reaches maturity (silver eel stage), which is when you migrate back to the Sargasso Sea to breed and die. "
However, the professor added, "some populations remain throughout their continental life in coastal lagoons, such as the Mar Menor, and no freshwater flows back."
"Eel, which is one of the most characteristic fish species Mar Menor, yet the extent to which the various factors threatening its population involved is not known in full: dams and barriers to migration, fisheries, climate change, pollution , viral infections and parasites, etc., "says Muñoz.
Source: Universidad de Murcia
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