DIASPARA Project: Unlocking the secrets of Europe's endangered Eel and Salmon

In a bid to protect Europe's endangered eel and salmon populations, the European Union is collecting scientific data to inform its management and conservation efforts. The DIASPARA project has been funded in 2024 under the European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) with this aim.

The full name of the project is "DIAdromous Species: moving towards new PARadigms to achieve holistic scientific Advice".

A Complex Web of Threats

Despite being protected by international agreements, such as the Convention on Migratory Species and the European Union's Eel Regulation, European eel and salmon populations continue to decline.

The reasons behind this alarming trend are complex and multifaceted, including habitat degradation, overfishing, climate change, and human impacts like dams and pollution. Another important cause is linked to the ecological characteristics of these species, as they migrate between freshwater and seawater, within and outside Europe.

This makes them more sensitive to various impacts and create interdependence between regions and stakeholders, making data collection and analysis more difficult.

The DIASPARA Solution

The DISPARA project brings together a consortium of esteemed research institutions and experts to develop innovative solutions to these challenges. By combining data collection, analysis, and modelling, the project aims to provide a more detailed assessment of these species' populations.

The project's core objectives are to:

1. Conduct an inventory of existing data on eel and salmon populations and habitats, identifying gaps and areas for improvement.
2. Develop database structures to improve accessibility and storage of relevant data.
3. Improve the performance of stock assessment models to provide more accurate and spatialized assessments.

To achieve these goals, the project will engage with key stakeholders, including policymakers, fishermen, and conservation organisations, to ensure that the developed tools and advice are relevant and viable.

Expected Outcomes and Impact

The DIASPARA project is expected to make significant contributions to the conservation of European eel and salmon populations.

The project's outcomes will include:

1. Enhanced data collection and analysis on biological parameters, habitat conditions, and human impacts.
2. Improved stock assessment models to provide more accurate assessments of eel and salmon populations and location.
3. A network of collaboration between experts and stakeholders to facilitate the uptake and dissemination of project results.

These outcomes will have far-reaching impacts on the conservation of these species, including more effective regional management and conservation efforts, improved decision-making and better protection of habitats.

Collaboration with other EU-funded projects

The DIASPARA project builds on the successes of previous initiatives, such as the Interreg Sudoang project, which developed new methods for coordinated data collection and storage. The project also collaborates with other EU-funded projects, like DIADSEA and AMBER, to leverage knowledge and expertise.

The DIASPARA project represents a significant step forward in the conservation of European eel and salmon populations. By providing innovative scientific tools and advice, the project will ultimately contribute to a more sustainable future for these iconic species.

“Diadromous fish such as salmon and eels are fascinating species that pose specific challenges for their assessment and management.

DIASPARA aims to provide tools and methods to align the needs of data collection and availability, with the needs of stock assessment models adapted to the characteristics of these populations, so that scientific advice better supports holistic and spatialised management.”

Hilaire Drouineau, coordinator of DIASPARA project