European and American eel populations have declined by more than 90% over 50 years, with both conservation and welfare implications for this long-lived, mysterious species.
Eels are neurologically capable of experiencing stress and likely pain. Their capture methods cause injury — electric fishing disorients and can injure them, while fyke nets cause prolonged stress before removal. Eels live for decades; each individual lost represents a significant welfare and ecological cost. The collapse of eel populations also represents a conservation emergency. Addressing eel welfare requires both reducing fishing pressure and improving capture and handling methods.