Report of the Study Group on Anguillid Eels in Saline Waters (SGAESAW)

The ICES Study Group on Anguillid Eels in Saline Waters (SGAESAW) met on 16–18March 2009 in Sackville, Canada, and on 3–5 September in Gothenburg, Sweden. Thechair was David Cairns (Canada). Thirty‐two participants representing 12 nationsattended one or both of the meetings.Saline (i.e. salt or brackish) waters are important growth habitats for eels, but receivelittle attention in most assessments. To address this, SGAESAW was asked to reviewknowledge of saline‐fresh differences in ecological parameters and stock assessmentmethods, and recommend approaches that embrace salinity‐based differences inmanagement models.The approach taken at the meetings was to hear presentations on topics pertinent tothe SGAESAW mandate, to discuss reported findings, and to formulate recommendationsfor research and management. This report contains an introduction, chaptersthat summarize reported findings, and annexes that present agendas, participantlists, and recommendations.