Aquaculture

Farmed Eel EU Welfare Crisis

European eels are critically endangered while also being intensively farmed, creating a unique conservation and welfare dilemma.

Key Facts

European eels are classified as critically endangered by the IUCN
Wild eels cannot be bred in captivity; all farmed eels are caught as juveniles from wild stocks
Farming removes wild-caught glass eels that might otherwise contribute to natural reproduction
Eels are electrosensitive and may experience particular distress from electrical slaughter methods
EU Eel Regulation aimed to restore populations but farming continues with uncertain sustainability

Welfare Considerations

Farmed eels face capture stress as juveniles, long-term confinement in intensive systems, and welfare concerns at slaughter. The conservation status of wild eels adds an ethical dimension beyond individual welfare.

What You Can Do

Reduce or eliminate eel consumption to protect the critically endangered wild population
Support organizations advocating for stronger eel protection under the EU Eel Regulation
Advocate for aquaculture licensing frameworks that explicitly exclude endangered species