European eel aquaculture involves animals whose complex biology and welfare needs are poorly understood, raising concerns about conditions in eel farming operations.
Eel welfare sits at the intersection of conservation and aquaculture ethics. Eel aquaculture depends entirely on harvesting critically endangered wild juveniles because the full eel life cycle cannot yet be completed in captivity. The welfare of farmed eels is then compromised by high-density tank systems and live transport to markets. Improving eel welfare requires both better aquaculture conditions and reducing demand for wild-caught glass eels that prevents any sustainable expansion of eel farming.