Scientists Estimate 2.8 Million Eels Gather at Australian Seamount

Researchers from Australia's CSIRO have estimated that up to 2.8 million basketwork eels gather annually at Patience Seamount, an underwater mountain off Tasmania. The population holds a collective biomass of approximately 3,550 metric tons. Scientists utilized a combination of acoustic surveys, underwater camera imagery, and physical sampling to quantify the gathering, as sonar alone cannot distinguish the eels from other deep-sea fish like orange roughy.

Biological analysis revealed the eels were empty-stomached and carrying developed eggs, suggesting they congregate specifically to spawn. While the seamount is one of 120 in the region, it remains the only site where these massive, dense swarms have been recorded.

Editor's note: The brief provides a precise and accurate summary of the scientific findings regarding the eel population at Patience Seamount.