Aquaculture Welfare

Farmed Eel Welfare and Phase-Out

European eel farming raises serious welfare concerns, and several countries are phasing out eel aquaculture due to welfare and conservation concerns.

Key Facts

European eels are critically endangered with wild populations at 1-2% of historical levels
Farmed eels are dependent on wild-caught glass eel seed, threatening wild populations
Eels are susceptible to transport stress and show clear pain responses
The Netherlands and some other countries have ended eel farming
Welfare-conscious eel farming requires low-stress handling and high water quality

Welfare Considerations

Farming a critically endangered species that requires wild-caught juveniles creates both welfare and conservation problems. The welfare of individual farmed eels should be considered alongside the severe conservation implications of the eel farming industry.

What You Can Do

Avoid purchasing European eel products due to conservation and welfare concerns
Support campaigns to end eel farming dependent on wild-caught glass eels
Learn about the critical status of European eel populations