Farmed Eels: A Species at the Intersection of Welfare and Conservation Crisis

European and Japanese eels face both population collapse from overfishing and welfare challenges in aquaculture. Addressing both dimensions is essential for this remarkable and threatened species.

Key Facts

European eels are critically endangered, with populations declining by more than 90% since the 1980s
Wild juvenile eels (elvers) are captured for aquaculture because eel reproduction in captivity has not been achieved commercially
The reliance on wild-caught elvers links aquaculture directly to wild population depletion
Eels are electrically sensitive and eel farm stunning and slaughter practices have significant welfare implications
Skinning eels alive or salting them to death are traditional practices in some markets that cause extreme suffering
Eels show nociception and stress responses indicating capacity for pain that welfare standards should address
The eel aquaculture industry lacks welfare certification schemes comparable to those for salmon and other farmed fish
Conservation and welfare objectives align for eels: reducing aquaculture demand protects wild populations and reduces farming welfare harms

Welfare Considerations

Farmed eels present a situation where conservation and welfare concerns reinforce each other. The industry depends on wild-caught juveniles, depleting a critically endangered species. The farming conditions and slaughter practices for eels lag far behind welfare standards for other farmed fish. And yet consumer demand for eel products continues in Asian and European markets. Reducing eel consumption addresses both the conservation crisis and the welfare problems simultaneously. For those who continue to consume eel products, demanding welfare certification that includes humane slaughter is a minimum expectation.

What You Can Do

Reduce or eliminate eel consumption given both the conservation and welfare concerns associated with the species
If you consume eel products, ask suppliers about welfare certification and humane slaughter practices
Support organizations working on European eel conservation and population recovery programs
Advocate for eel-specific welfare standards in aquaculture certification schemes
Support research into closed-cycle eel reproduction that would reduce reliance on wild-caught elvers
Raise awareness about the European eel conservation crisis among seafood-consuming friends and communities