The background for this dedicated session is based on the discussions held at the second informal consultation session of WG Fish (IC WG FISH 2-2023) which supported that the planning of the execution of work related to the BSAP Action B17 be included in a separate dedicated session of EG Fish-M focused on European eel, if possible, arranged jointly or with participation by other ongoing initiatives on eel. IC WG FISH 2-2023 also invited the Chair of EG Fish-M and the Secretariat to plan and arrange such a dedicated session.