European and Japanese eels are prized food fish farmed in large quantities. Their welfare in aquaculture systems raises significant concerns given what is known about their biology.
Eel welfare sits at the intersection of acute welfare concern and conservation crisis. The reliance on wild-caught juveniles means that farmed eel production directly threatens already Critically Endangered wild populations. In aquaculture, eels are sensitive to crowding stress, water temperature fluctuations, and handling events. Their slaughter — often involving decapitation or skinning while alive, and sometimes electrical stunning only — represents one of the most significant welfare failures in aquaculture. The combination of conservation status and welfare concerns makes eel one of the most ethically problematic aquaculture products available. Consumer avoidance is the most impactful action available.