Wildlife

Wild Eel European Crisis Welfare

European eel populations have collapsed by over 95% since the 1980s, with conservation status now Critically Endangered, and individuals face multiple welfare challenges throughout their complex lifecycle.

Key Facts

European eels migrate from freshwater habitats to spawn in the Sargasso Sea
Eel populations have declined over 95% since the 1970s from multiple stressors
Turbine mortality in hydroelectric schemes kills or injures millions of migrating eels annually
Eel glass eel harvesting continues for aquaculture despite their endangered status
Eel aquaculture depends entirely on wild-caught glass eels as there is no captive breeding

Welfare Considerations

European eels face existential population collapse while continuing to be harvested commercially. The welfare crisis mirrors the conservation crisis for this remarkable species.

What You Can Do

Avoid purchasing European eel products given the critical conservation status
Support river restoration projects that improve eel migration corridors
Advocate for fish passes and turbine modification to reduce hydroelectric eel mortality
Donate to eel conservation research and habitat restoration initiatives