With one of the world’s most remarkable life cycles and migrations, the eel is a reminder that the world is wonderful.

Yet, faced with ongoing threats from climate change and dams, the once abundant eel is having a hard time.

Bringing together poetry, memory, philosophy, science and hope, this documentary is my quest to muster up a little love for the mysterious and underrated eel.

Guests include author Patrik Svensson, eel scientist Dr Wayne Kosta, and Gunditjmara ranger Jakobe Walker.

References:

• CUNNINGHAM, J. The Discovery of the Larva of the Common Eel. Nature 55, 467–468 (1897). https://doi.org/10.1038/055467a0
• ‌Hauskeller M. Telos: The Revival of an Aristotelian Concept in Present Day Ethics. Inquiry (Oslo). 2005 Feb;48(1):62-75. doi: 10.1080/00201740510015356.
• Institute AR. Tracking eel migration using satellites. Arthur Rylah Institute. Published June 13, 2025. Accessed October 29, 2025. https://www.ari.vic.gov.au/research/environmental-management/field-techniques-and-monitoring/tracking-eel-migration-using-satellites
• Ruppel Shell, E. (2024). Slippery Beast: A true crime natural history, with eels. Abrams
• Svensson, P. (2020). The gospel of the eels: A father, a son and the world's most enigmatic fish. Pan Macmillan.
• Swedish TV show finding “150 year old” eel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBW7cVZs8ys
• ‌Wettenhall, Gib, with the Gunditjmara (2022). The People of Budj Bim: Engineers of aquaculture, builders of stone house settlements and warriors defending Country. em PRESS Publishing

This episode was funded by a Wyndam City Council Creative Development Grant.