“Eels in Melbourne? Seriously?” someone might ask. Yes seriously. The Eel artwork is a captivating story about these creatures. This is no ordinary sculpture. It represents a creature with an extraordinary life cycle.
The Eel’s story begins far away in the Coral Sea. Imagine tiny leaf-shaped larvae. They drift on ocean currents toward Australia. They eventually reach freshwater creeks like Dandenong Creek. Here the larvae transform into glass eels. These glass eels then become elvers. The elvers migrate upstream and grow for as long as 25 years. They eventually return to the Coral Sea to spawn. After spawning the eels die completing their lifecycle.
But there’s more to the Eel than its lifecycle. It also holds cultural significance for Traditional Owners. For thousands of years Aboriginal communities have used eel traps. These traps ensure sustainable resource management. The preservation of eel traps promotes awareness. It also helps strengthen the connection between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities.
Sadly freshwater eels have declined dramatically. Habitat loss and barriers to migration are factors. Pollution also impacts eel populations. A detergent release into Dandenong Creek killed many eels in 2018. We need clean water and good habitat for the Eel to thrive. The First Friends of Dandenong Creek are working to improve water quality.
The Eel sculpture reminds us of the importance of these creatures. It highlights their incredible journey. It also shows their cultural significance. Next time you see the Eel think about its amazing story. Think about the importance of caring for our waterways. Think about the traditions of the First Nations people. The Eel represents a vital part of Victoria’s biodiversity. Its survival depends on our actions. Let’s ensure that the Eel continues its journey for generations to come.