Doing nothing is not an option.

This is the Initiative for the Promotion of the European Eel (IFEA)

Together, we are committed to sustainable eel farming in order to preserve and promote this valuable species. Through the sale of eels and eel products labelled with the ESF label, financial resources are collected for measures to replenish, research and protect natural habitats and implemented by us in a coordinated manner.

How membership works

IFEA & ESF

Eels and eel products, labelled with this protected collective Community trademark ESF, guarantee financial support for the recovery of the European eel stock as well as various other activities and measures for the promotion and research of the European eel.
By using the "ESF" brand on their eel products, among other things, the members and contractual partners of the IFEA acquire financial resources to support the following measures.

The prerequisite for this is the conclusion of a licence agreement with the IFEA, which regulates the trademark law provisions to be complied with and the amount of the usage fees to be paid to the ESF. Each contractual partner receives a personal registration number, which must be indicated under the trade mark.

We are committed to this

Well-founded & conscientious

Funds from the ESF will support a wide range of measures from 2016 onwards, based on the so-called Eel Regulation. The General Assembly and the Executive Board of the IFEA will decide on the appropriate use of ESF funds.

Doing nothing is not an option, we want to help the eel!

All those involved see the safeguarding of eel stocks as the basis for sustainable eel management. Sustainable eel management involves ensuring the controlled, management-based exploitation of European eel stocks in harmony with fishery utilisation and stock conservation.

Measures

Replenishment of the European eel stock, in particular through Eel stocking

Protection of the natural growth habitats

Improvement of the Migration of mature eels in the spawning area and the migration of young eels into inland waters

Minimisation of mortalities on Hydropower plants and through Cormorants

Support for the Eel research & Promotion of international Co-operation

Information inform the public about the situation of the eel stock and the measures implemented

How it works

Economy & sustainability in harmony

Sustainable eel management involves ensuring the controlled, management-based exploitation of European eel stocks in harmony with fishery utilisation and stock conservation:

How you can be there

For candidates & supporters

If you are active in the eel industry yourself - then become a member of the Initiative zur Förderung des europäischen Aals e.V. and a user of the ESF brand!

We also appreciate any support outside of membership! Buy
Eels and eel products with the ESF logo or from contractual partners who carry the logo. Follow us on Instagram or Facebook and share information via your network.

More information

Eelforever campaign

A journey through the world of eel. "Eelforever" is the name of the IFEA's web and social media campaign, which we use to keep people up to date on the important relationships and current developments in eel.

About the ESF

In 2016, the IFEA launched the ESF (Eel Stewardship Fund) with the ESA. For every eel sold with this logo, a fixed amount is paid into the ESF, which is used to finance measures to restore the eel.

About the ESA

The Eel Stewardship Association (ESA) is the founder of the Eel Stewardship Fund and owner of the ESF trademark.

To the eel

The European eel, Anguilla anguilla in Latin, is special in many ways. Prof Hilge explains the background.

Request membership

Download the membership application form and sign it. Then upload the application in the field below. Download membership application.
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