Logbook Data Indicate a Slight Increasing Yellow Eel Abundance in the Southern Baltic Sea

ABSTRACT Since 2004, a logbook study has been conducted with commercial fishers to generate yellow eel specific catch per unit effort (CPUE) data in the German part of the southern Baltic Sea. By the end of 2023, this data series covers a 20‐year period. Using a change point analysis, various shifts in the fyke net CPUE data series for under‐sized and legal‐sized yellow eels were detected, with increased mean monthly CPUEs within the last years. In contrast to the most recent recruitment trend, the CPUE data series indicate a slight increase of the yellow eel abundance in the study region. Possible causes contributing to this trend are discussed. Implications for the current debate on European eel conservation efforts are also highlighted.