European eel aquaculture relies on wild-caught juveniles as farming techniques do not yet allow full-cycle production. This creates welfare and conservation concerns throughout the supply chain.
European eel welfare presents a dual problem of conservation and individual welfare. Every farmed eel originates from wild-caught juveniles, meaning eel aquaculture is directly extractive from a critically endangered wild population. Individual eel welfare during farming and slaughter receives little attention despite evidence that eels experience pain and stress. Traditional slaughter methods including cutting while conscious and application of irritating substances are particularly welfare-concerning. The unique biology of eels — they retain cardiovascular function for long periods after decapitation — means conventional slaughter methods may not produce rapid insensibility.