Giant mottled eel (Anguilla marmorata)

Mohamed bin Zayed Species project number 11052957

In the Philippines, the giant mottled eel (A. marmorata) has been a traditional fishery resource by indigenous people. However, it has been recently exported to countries that regard it as a high value species. At present there is very little to no information about the distribution and life history of freshwater eels in the Philippines. This project aims to fill in the above-mentioned gaps. Field surveys and sampling will be conducted to monitor the current biogeographic pattern of these species as well as to identify the species composition and diversity. The area of interest is the Northern Philippines, due to Luzon island’s proximity to a putative spawning ground (Mariana’s trench) and due to reports of exploitation of larval eels in the area. The information generated will be used to draw immediate actions and for future long-term management plans. Also, the project is expected to raise awareness to the public about the species.