Marine and Wildlife Welfare

Wild European Eel Crisis and Welfare

European eels are critically endangered and ongoing population decline raises both conservation and welfare concerns.

Key Facts

European eel populations have declined by over 95% since the 1980s
The species has a unique life cycle requiring transatlantic migration to breed in the Sargasso Sea
River barriers, turbines and overfishing all contribute to population collapse
EU eel regulations require eel management plans but population recovery has not occurred
Eels show stress responses and have nociceptors indicating potential pain capacity

Welfare Considerations

Eel welfare encompasses both individual welfare from fishing and barriers, and population welfare from a catastrophic decline threatening extinction. Conservation actions restoring migration routes and reducing harvest have dual welfare and conservation benefits.

What You Can Do

Support eel pass installation and weir removal campaigns for river restoration
Avoid consuming European eel products given the critically endangered status of the species
Engage with eel conservation organisations including the Sustainable Eel Group