European eels are critically endangered and face welfare challenges at every stage of their complex life cycle, including capture and aquaculture production.
Glass eel collection is minimally stressful when conducted correctly, but dense holding conditions during transport increase mortality. Adult eel aquaculture in RAS requires intensive water quality management; oxygen depletion is a recurrent welfare risk. Eels are highly sensitive to handling stress and respond to crowding with escape attempts and injury. Given the species critically endangered status, welfare and conservation concerns are inseparable in eel management.