UINR is releasing a series of ten short videos on the American eel.
Together, the series tells everything we know about the American eel in Cape Breton.
Produced in cooperation with Parks Canada,scientists from UINR, Parks Canada and Cape Breton University, fishers, cooks and Elders from around Cape Breton tell stories of the eel’s fascinating life cycle, its place in Mi’kmaq culture and efforts being made to protect its habitat.
Beginning Wednesday March 17 and every day, for the next ten days, UINR will release a new video and post its link on our Facebook page–UINRpage and on Twitter @UINR.
Lisa Young, Executive Director at UINR explains “The videos look at everything from the commercial eel fishery, cooking and eating eel to traditional eel fishing and making eel spears.
Our declining eel population is a great concern and scientists are investigating reasons for this decline.”
The videos are fast paced and feature seldom-seen footage of Donald Marshall Jr. cooking and preparing eel. Additional footage from George Marshall of Potlotek complement the production from videographer Madeline Yakimchuk of Gryphon Media Productions in Sydney, NS.
“This series of videos really brings the eel story to life,” says Maria O’Hearn, External Relations Manager, Parks Canada. “Everyone should become better acquainted with this elusive fish. These videos will go a long way in increasing awareness of the eels’ important role in our ecosystem on Cape Breton Island as well as the issues they face today.”
“Given that the American eel lives in seven national parks in Atlantic Canada including Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Parks Canada is pleased to work with UNIR on projects like this. It helps connect more people with the story of the eel, which will encourage the long-term protection of this threatened species.”
Every day, for the next ten days, we will post a link to the new video here!
