native eel populations are diving into the abyss at an unprecedented rate. In response, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has proposed to increase protections for three species of eel. Despite these efforts, Japan and the United States opposed the inclusion of American and Japanese eels in the proposed protective measures during a recent CITES meeting. This is a dangerous precedent for the fate of all species of eels considering their remarkable cultural and economic importance.
In response to their plummeting populations, CITES expanded protections to European eels in 2009. The organization has since evaluated the need to include over a dozen more eel species, most notably the American and Japanese eels, which face similar threats. The American eel fishery is regulated jointly by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and the state of New Jersey. These measures have failed to avert the drastic decline in eel populations.
Maine is the only U.S. state to have a thriving fishery for elvers, the juvenile form of eels. The worth of these infant eels skyrocketed through 2024, peaking at greater than $1,200 per pound at native docks. This demand is primarily fueled by Asian aquaculture firms, who use elvers as seed stock for their farms. The growing economic stakes surrounding eels have muddied the waters on conservation efforts.
While American eels have seen significant declines, they are not as precipitous as their Japanese and European counterparts. Since the 1980s, those eels have experienced increases in their rate of decline over 90%. Freshwater eel, known as unagi in Japan, is a tasty treat. It is a cultural keystone, an art form of immeasurable depth whose aesthetic pleasures have been savored for millennia. The global sushi industry’s increasing dependence on eels makes their rapid conservation all the more vital both ecologically and culinarily.
Statistics on American eels are alarming. That they are not yet listed under the Endangered Species Act despite repeated efforts to do so reflect the challenge of mustering support to secure protective measures. Illegal shipping is behind a huge share of the decline in eel populations, but it is one part of a broad array of dangers facing the transparent fish. As these experts propose, working in tandem with industry stakeholders would be crucial in the fight against illegal trade and in protecting wildlife.
Toni Kerns, a representative of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, expressed skepticism regarding the effectiveness of proposed protective measures by stating, “We don’t feel that the proposal provides enough information on how the black market would be curbed.” That speaks to the needs of addressing tangible impacts of CITES protections absent strong, enforceable plans.
Nastya Timoshyna, a representative from the World Wildlife Fund, noted that the issue extends beyond outright bans or restrictions on fishing practices. She stated, “It’s not about banning it or stopping fishing practices; it’s about industry being responsible, and there is massive power in industry.” Action from this angle would highlight the need for industry accountability to ensure that eels are collected sustainably.
Susan Lieberman from CITES emphasized the importance of protective measures, stating, “This measure is vital to strengthen trade monitoring, aid fisheries management, and ensure the species’ long-term survival.” Her comments mirror an increase in recognition among conservationists that better management tactics are critical to stemming the tide of population loss.
Debates over the fate of eel protections under CITES continue. Stakeholders’ greatest challenge lies in balancing cultural significance with economic interests and environmental stewardship. Japan and China’s ongoing opposition makes it impossible for the international community to protect these sensitive species.
