Passes installed to help eels move through rivers

Endangered eels have been given a boost thanks to a project to help them access the habitat they need to survive.

Twelve eel passes are being installed in the North Moor and King's Sedgemoor areas to help them move around the ditch network of the Somerset Levels wetlands.

The passes act as ladders that allow eels to swim up and over weirs and more easily through the rhynes and ditches.

The project, funded by Natural England, is being carried out by the Parrett Internal Drainage Board. Ecologist, Phil Brewin, said: "We are confident the decline in eel numbers experienced in recent years can be reversed."