MIGRATING eels have been given a helping hand on the Isle of Wight thanks to an innovating engineering project - the 'eelevator.'
Island Roads, the Environment Agency, Arc Consulting, and Artecology have combined their efforts to help the eels navigate the watercourse beneath Holbrooke's Bridge at Bouldnor, near Yarmouth.
Eel numbers have declined nationally in recent years and some experts believe this is due to the animal's inability to navigate man-made structures on watercourses
The eelevator includes a series of textured tiles produced to help ease the eels' passage upstream.
The conservation work at Holbrooke's Bridge - part of a wider Island Roads scheme to upgrade the structure - will mean the local eel population is able to continue its journey unimpeded.
"This type of eel-pass assists the eels by providing a bespoke textured surface along which they can gain purchase and navigate more easily," said Nigel George of Artecology.
"We are hopeful this installation will provide a new opportunity to help the dwindling eel population flourish."
Jo Huett, Island Roads structures project manager, said: "We were delighted to work as part of a local team to help a project and enhance the local ecology.
"Much of our work involves helping pedestrians and motorists get about smoothly and safely but we enjoyed the challenge of helping the eel population also enjoy safe passage."
The Holbooke project has been dedicated to Dave Hunter from the Environment Agency, a friend and colleague to Arc and Artecology, who sadly passed away earlier this year.
Claire Hector, a director of Artecology, said: "Dave's passion for conserving eel populations made this a perfect way to mark his work that inspired many others and it was a pleasure to be joined by his wife, Jacqui, and son, Wills, during the installation."