WWF-Türkiye has prepared a new animated film to raise awareness about the threats facing the European eel as part of World Fish Migration Day.
Narrated by WWF-Türkiye Nature Ambassador and actor Kaan Urgancıoğlu, the film focuses on the unique life cycle of the European eel, a species with a history dating back 55 million years.
The species, whose population has declined by 90% over the past 50 years, is now at risk due to habitat loss, dams, barriers on waterways, pollution and overfishing.
A Mysterious 7,000-Kilometer Migration
The life cycle of the European eel still holds many mysteries for the scientific world. The first clues to its journey appear in the transparent larvae found in the Sargasso Sea, off the Gulf of Mexico.
Carried by Atlantic currents, the European eel completes one of the longest known migration journeys, covering around 7,000 kilometers before reaching freshwater ecosystems in Europe and Türkiye.
The Büyük Menderes Delta and Lake Bafa are among the species’ important habitats in Türkiye. European eels can live in these freshwater environments for up to 15–20 years before returning to the Sargasso Sea to complete their life cycle and reproduce only once.
Freshwater Ecosystems Face Deepening Loss
WWF-Türkiye’s animation also uses the story of the European eel to draw attention to the pressures facing freshwater habitats.
The fact that freshwater species have declined by 84% over the last 20 years reveals the scale of ecological pressure on rivers, deltas, lagoons and wetlands.
Wetlands are critical not only for biodiversity, but also for water security, agriculture, fisheries, flood control, groundwater recharge and local economies.
“It Is Time to Take Concrete Steps”
Eren Atak, Freshwater and Forest Programs Manager at WWF-Türkiye, emphasized that free-flowing rivers, protected habitats and the prevention of illegal fishing are essential for the future of the European eel.
Referring to WWF-Türkiye’s conservation work, Atak said:
Together with the European Eel Technical Working Group established in Aydın, we are working to protect the species’ migration routes and habitats. The joint roadmap has been completed; now it is time for concrete steps.
A Strong Message for World Fish Migration Day
World Fish Migration Day is a global awareness day held every two years to highlight the importance of free-flowing rivers and ecosystem connectivity for the life cycles of migratory fish species.
The event will be marked for the seventh time on 23 May 2026 under this year’s theme, “We Are River People.” The theme emphasizes the cultural, ecological and vital connection between people, rivers and migratory fish.
WWF-Türkiye’s animated film serves as a reminder that the European eel is facing the risk of extinction and that urgent, concrete action is needed to protect freshwater ecosystems.
