As cooler temperatures set in, yellow-phase American eels congregate in winter burrows with freshwater upwelling and enter a period of torpor. Torpor is a semi-dormant state where activity and metabolic rates are decreased.

For the Mi’kmaq of Newfoundland and Labrador, the eel (“Kat”) represents an important food source that can be procured in both winter and summer. In winter, American eels are harvested using a specialized multi-pronged spear. In Newfoundland and Labrador, the eel-spearing season is open from November 1st to March 31st.

As part of our Coastal Environmental Baseline Program project, this winter we will be working with Mi’kmaq Alsumk Mowimsikik Koqoey Association (MAMKA) and SEM Ltd. to collect eDNA samples from American eel overwintering habitat and Mi’kmaq spearing sites in Bay D’Espoir.