Report a Sighting

Report Eel Sightings Program

The River Institute is seeking your help to report American eel (Anguilla rostrata) sightings along the St. Lawrence River. The American eel is an ecologically and culturally significant species to the Upper St. Lawrence River; however, the abundance has declined by up to 99% in recent decades due to various threats.

The eel has a complex life cycle that involves migrating thousands of kilometres from the Atlantic Ocean up to live out most of their adult lives. After approximately 20 years, the eel then makes the long journey downstream back to the Atlantic Ocean to spawn. During this downstream journey to spawn, eels encounter barriers, including hydroelectric facilities. Passing through these barriers can lead to injuries or mortality.

With your help, we can collect vital data that helps us better understand the status of the eel population and the overall impacts of hydroelectric facilities, in order to inform conservation and recovery planning and action.