Eels are important to the ecosystem and environment. European eels especially play a crucial role. By transporting freshwater mussels, they are essential for maintaining healthy freshwater ecosystems. These mussels filter pollutants from the water. Also, as a contributor to biodiversity, it acts as a predator; eels help maintain populations of other species in their ecosystems. This prevents any single species from becoming dominant, which results in maintaining biodiversity. The 4000-mile barriers along their migration route endanger these eels, making them one of the most endangered fish in the world. Even though there are other problems like overfishing, pollution, and climate change. Despite being able to travel this impressively as the size of a pea, the main obstacle for them is dams. Since many man-made barriers like dams and weirs have been constructed, they have made it much harder for these marine animals to complete their adventure.

European eels start their lives in the Sargasso Sea, near Bermuda, as tiny, see‑through larvae shaped like leaves. They swim across the Atlantic Ocean on the Gulf Stream for one to two years. During this time, their bodies flatten and stretch into what’s called the “glass eel” stage. By the time they reach the coast of England, they are about 8 centimeters long. They use the ocean tides to help them swim upstream into rivers, like the Rother and the Ems. Once they settle in freshwater, they keep changing—turning darker in color and growing up to about 1 meter long.

Located in the South Downs National Park in southern England, there is a plan to create “eel lanes.” Eel Lanes are a small lane of water that allows the fish to swim around the risky barriers. Some of the locations will have additional tools. For example, eel brushes because they help eels swim upstream with it’s small bristles. The project is partnered with Western Sussex Rivers Trust to protect all the marine animals. Aimme Felus knows and comprehends the harsh environment these eels have to dodge. So she has decided that her team with try to conquer these obstacles with their winning idea to save them.