American Eel: Utilizing modern techniques to assess conservation status in Texas

• In Event: Poster Presentation and Judging for: Anthropology; Botany; Conservation Ecology; Environmental Science; Freshwater Science; Geosciences; Mathematics & Computer Science; Neuroscience; Physics & Eng; Science Education; Terrestrial Ecology & Management.
  In Poster Session: Conservation Ecology Poster Session

Abstract

The American Eel, Anguilla rostrata, is a remarkable fish that makes epic migrations throughout its complex life history, which begins in the Sargasso Sea, goes far inland in rivers of North and Central America and the Caribbean, then back to the Sargasso. Populations in U.S. and Canadian drainages have been well-studied for years, with events such as the arrival of early life stage “glass” and “elver” eels coming into coastal basins well known and predictable. However, relatively little is known about those that make their way into Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean drainages. Additionally, there is debate as to the species’ conservation status, with listings among agencies ranging from ‘Threatened’ or ‘Endangered’ to no listing at all. Especially in Texas, there is a critical need for data to many unanswered questions about the species’ historical and current distribution, genetics, parasites, age structure, habitat utilization, etc. to help guide establishment of effective management and conservation strategies. To help answer some of these questions, we are conducting basic sampling and genetic and life history studies, organizing a state-wide citizen-science effort to help collect specimens of all ages and sizes, and reaching out to fish enthusiasts (fisherman and scientists alike) to help better understand these astounding fishes.

Authors

• Melissa Casarez, University of Texas at Austin

• Stephen Curtis, TPWD

• Dean A. Hendrickson, University of Texas at Austin

• Adam E. Cohen, University of Texas at Austin

• Kevin Mayes, Texas Parks and Wildlife

• Gary Garrett, University of Texas at Austin

• F. Douglas Martin, University of Texas at Austin