CRITICALLY endangered eels on the Somerset Levels are being protected by EDF Energy's Hinkley Point B power station.

It is part of a programme of work which is underway across Europe to help restore eel populations by restoring wetlands and removing barriers to the eels’ traditional migration routes.

EDF is working with the Sustainable Eel Group, Somerset Wildlife Trust, Berry and Escott, and the Environment Agency to help protect the eel habitats.

The European Eel is currently classified as ‘critically endangered’ as their numbers have declined by about 90 per cent over the past 40 years because of climate change, barriers to migration, destruction of wetland habitat and overfishing in some places.

The new and established wetlands of the Somerset Moors and Levels are ideal habitats for eels, but the hundreds of sluices used to manage water levels act like walls for eels migrating in and out.

EDF Energy’s funding has helped to provide a new fish pass to enable baby eels to get into and colonise the 95 hectares of prime habitat at Catcott Fen from the nearby River Huntspill.

Amy Barwood, Hinkley Point B’s environmental co-ordinator, said: “New European legislation is helping to protect dwindling eel populations and we were delighted to be able to do our bit by providing a fish pass.”