An elver pass or eel pass is a waterway modification constructed to mitigate the effects of obstructions, especially manmade weirs, on waterways, watercourses, ditches, drains, channels and flumes, on the movement of eels, fish and elvers (juvenile eels). Powerful swimmers, including salmon and sea trout, find it easy to pass through many structures. However, it is widely accepted that some structures make fish migration more difficult upstream.[1]
The UK Environment Agency has guidelines[1] for the design of eel and elver passes for employment in weirs, tidal flaps & gates and sluice structures. A variety of materials for example HDPE and stainless steel are used to construct brush and bristle surfaces, pipes, ducts, mouse holes, cat flaps and pet door types of eel and elver passes.
Eel and elver passes are distinctive from fish ladders which in turn are distinct from eel ladders. The eel ladder is constructed by introducing steps or uprights. Each step or upright of the eel ladder interrupts the flow of water at each point in the ladder. In contrast, eel and elver passes are distinct by either employing a tube which bypasses the main flow or current and/or employing a bristle surface that presents a greater length of continuous disruption to the flow of water.[2]
Eel and elver passes have a dual purpose. By separating the eel traffic in the flow of water more accurate measurement of eel and elver migration is made possible. The results also prove the benefits. Wisbech Standard 12 July 2014[3] report large numbers of eels return to the Fens also being able to migrate into the Middle Level along a bristle and duct type eel and elver pass.
The Eels (England and Wales) Regulations 2009[4] implement Council Regulation (EC) No 1100/2007[5] of the Council of the European Union, establishing measures for the recovery of the stock of European eel.
Some requirements of the regulations are, where appropriate, to: