A group of wildlife biologists from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) recently made a rare discovery while searching for an invasive species along the Kansas River. The team stumbled upon an American eel, a fish that typically spawns in the Sargasso Sea and travels approximately 3,500 miles to freshwater and estuaries in late summer and autumn. Due to the numerous dams in Kansas, American eels are not commonly found in the state as these structures impede the fish’s movement between rivers. The last confirmed sighting of an American eel in Kansas was in 2015, making this recent discovery by the KDWP crew a decade since the fish was last seen in the state. Despite their rarity in Kansas waters, American eels are not considered to be endangered.
American eels, unlike other types of freshwater eels found around the world, have a unique migratory pattern from the Atlantic Ocean to North America, living up to 40 years before returning to the Sargasso Sea to reproduce. The KDWP keeps fishing records of American eels caught in Kansas, with the current record dating back to 1987 when an angler landed a 4.44-pound American eel in the Kansas River. Mark Van Scoyoc, a KDWP biodiversity survey coordinator and ecologist, expressed fascination with the species and is pleased that the recent finding is gaining attention. While American eels are not endangered, their presence in Kansas is significant due to the rarity of sightings and the species’ natural migration patterns.
The discovery of an American eel in the Kansas River by the Aquatic Invasive Species Crew highlights the migratory journey these fish undertake, spanning thousands of miles from the Sargasso Sea to freshwater and estuaries. Despite the challenges posed by dams in Kansas, which disrupt the natural streamflow and hinder the movement of American eels between rivers, the KDWP remains diligent in monitoring and recording sightings of these creatures in the state. With the last confirmed sighting of an American eel in Kansas occurring in 2015, the recent finding by the KDWP crew marks another decade since the fish was last seen in the region, underscoring the rarity of these sightings and the importance of continued conservation efforts.
American eels are part of a diverse range of freshwater eel species found globally, including the European eel and the short-finned eel. However, the American eel is unique in being the only freshwater eel species found in the United States. With a lifespan of up to 40 years and a migratory pattern that takes them from the Atlantic Ocean to North America and back to the Sargasso Sea for spawning, American eels are an intriguing species that play a vital role in ecosystems. The recent discovery by the KDWP crew not only sheds light on the natural history and habitat of American eels but also emphasizes the need for continued research and conservation efforts to protect these fascinating creatures.
Despite their rarity in Kansas waters, American eels are not considered endangered, highlighting the resilience of these fish in adapting to various habitats and environmental challenges. The KDWP’s dedication to monitoring and recording American eel sightings in the state reflects a commitment to conservation and species preservation. While the last confirmed sighting of an American eel in Kansas dates back to 2015, the recent discovery by the Aquatic Invasive Species Crew serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting and preserving the natural habitats of these unique creatures. With their remarkable migratory patterns and long lifespan, American eels continue to captivate researchers and conservationists alike, underscoring the significance of biodiversity and ecosystem conservation efforts.
