In this special Talk of the Thames episode for World Eel Day, presenter Chloe Russell is joined by Andrew Kerr, Chairman of the Sustainable Eel Group, to uncover one of the most extraordinary and mysterious stories in the natural world — the life cycle and survival of the European eel (Anguilla anguilla).
🧭 From diving deeper than nuclear submarines to travelling 7,000km without eating, eels have a life journey unlike any other.
🐍 But with their population down by over 90%, this critically endangered species is now at the heart of a major conservation fight.
Andrew and Chloe discuss:
- Why the European eel is vanishing — and what makes its lifecycle so bizarre
- The shocking global scale of illegal eel trafficking
- The real reason we can’t breed eels in labs
- How communities, classrooms, and volunteers are helping rebuild the eel’s future
- What we can do — as individuals — to make a difference
💬 Plus: why saving the eel might also save our rivers, wetlands, and water systems.
🌍 More eel content is coming!
Although World Eel Day falls on Friday 16th May, we’ll be sharing more stories, facts, and interviews beyond this week — follow us Thames Estuary Partnership and stay tuned.
🎧 Want more? Check out our earlier episode from World Fish Migration Day about the Thames Catchment Community Eels Project, where six amazing organisations came together to reconnect rivers and communities for eel recovery.
🔗 Useful links:
🎙️ Subscribe to Talk of the Thames for more inspiring stories from the river’s edge.
__________________
Talk of the Thames has been brought to you by the Thames Estuary Partnership https://www.thamesestuarypartnership.org/
Keep up to date with TEP on all platforms!
Twitter: @ThamesEstPart
Facebook: @thamesestuarypartnership
Instagram: @thamesestuarypartnership
YouTube: @thamesestuarypartnership
Produced & Presented by Chloe Russell
#EelWeek2025 #WorldEelDay #TalkOfTheThames #EuropeanEel #RiverRestoration #WaterwaysMatter #NatureConnectivity #SustainableEelGroup #AndrewKerr #ChloeRussell #ThamesEstuaryPartnership
Popular Podcasts
Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club
Welcome to Bookmarked by Reese’s Book Club — the podcast where great stories, bold women, and irresistible conversations collide! Hosted by award-winning journalist Danielle Robay, each week new episodes balance thoughtful literary insight with the fervor of buzzy book trends, pop culture and more. Bookmarked brings together celebrities, tastemakers, influencers and authors from Reese's Book Club and beyond to share stories that transcend the page. Pull up a chair. You’re not just listening — you’re part of the conversation.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com