Aquaculture

European Eel Welfare in Aquaculture

European eel aquaculture raises serious welfare concerns, including capture of wild glass eels, high stocking densities and slaughter practices.

Key Facts

European eel is Critically Endangered; aquaculture relies on wild-caught glass eels
Glass eel capture is highly stressful and results in significant mortality
Eels in aquaculture are held at high densities with limited enrichment
Electrical stunning before slaughter is now recommended but inconsistently used

Welfare Considerations

The eel industry is built on wild-caught juveniles experiencing acute capture and transport stress. In farming, eels are highly sensitive to crowding, water quality fluctuation and handling. Their nocturnal, burrowing behaviour is poorly accommodated in conventional tank systems. Slaughter without prior stunning causes prolonged death by asphyxiation or chilling — welfare standards urgently need to match those emerging for salmonids and sea bass.

What You Can Do

Choose seafood alternatives to European eel given conservation and welfare concerns
Support Fish Welfare Initiative advocacy on eel aquaculture standards
Advocate for the European eel aquaculture sector to adopt pre-slaughter stunning
Donate to eel conservation projects supporting wild population recovery