European and Japanese eels are farmed at significant scale, with welfare considerations largely absent from standard production practices.
Eel aquaculture presents compounded welfare problems: the collection of wild juveniles threatens an already Critically Endangered species, while farming conditions impose chronic stress through high density, frequent handling, and inadequate slaughter practices. The welfare science base for eels is thin compared to salmon or trout, leaving producers without clear guidance. Welfare-centred eel production would require reducing stocking density, minimising handling frequency, developing humane slaughter standards, and ultimately transitioning to captive-bred stock when aquaculture breeding becomes available. Consumer and regulatory pressure on this largely unregulated sector is needed urgently.