American Eel Welfare in Aquaculture and Wild Fisheries

American eels have a complex life history with welfare challenges in both wild capture for aquaculture stocking and in grow-out systems, while wild populations face severe conservation pressure.

Key Facts

Listed as endangered in Canada and of Special Concern in the US
Wild glass eel capture for aquaculture stocking is a major pressure on wild populations
Eels are catadromous, maturing in freshwater before migrating to the Sargasso Sea to breed
Highly sensitive to stress with extreme cortisol responses to handling
Can breathe through their skin enabling survival out of water but causing stress in air exposure
Few welfare standards exist for eel aquaculture anywhere globally

Welfare Considerations

Wild glass eel capture for aquaculture stocking depletes already endangered wild populations, creating a conservation welfare problem beyond individual animal welfare. Eels in aquaculture face handling stress and disease pressure. The species extraordinary life history from glass eel to silver eel migration spanning decades makes individual eels long-term welfare subjects. Reducing wild capture pressure and establishing aquaculture welfare standards are complementary welfare priorities.

What You Can Do

Reduce or eliminate eel consumption given conservation and welfare concerns
Support American Eel Restoration Pledge and similar conservation initiatives
Advocate for wild glass eel capture restrictions and aquaculture welfare standards
Support dam removal projects that restore eel migration routes
Donate to eel conservation organisations working in both freshwater and marine habitats
Contact seafood retailers about their eel sourcing and welfare policies