![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://bollspel.com/the-rising-popularity-of-american-eel-as-a-consumer-delight/&media=https://bollspel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/5104-the-rising-popularity-of-american-eel-as-a-consumer-delight.jpg&description="Discover why American eel is gaining popularity as a delectable choice for consumers. Learn about the unique flavor and versatility of this seafood favorite in our latest post."){kind=link}
(Top) Imports of live eel fry into East Asia from the other regions based on East Asian Customs data, 2004–2022. (Bottom) Imports of live eel fry into East Asia from the Americas based on East Asian Customs data, 2004–2022. Credit: Hiromi Shiraishi
Research led by Hiromi Shiraishi, a researcher at Chuo University, revealed a concerning increase in the importation of American Eel (Anguilla rostrata) live fry to East Asia for aquaculture purposes. This rise threatens the already endangered species and further depletes their resources.
“Early warning of an upsurge in international trade in the American Eel” has been published in Marine Policy.
With Japan relying on imports for two-thirds of its eel consumption, it is crucial for the country to take a leading role in ensuring the sustainable utilization of eel species, including the American Eel.
Eels are susceptible to a range of threats, and stocks of eel species in temperate Northern Hemisphere regions have exhibited declines. This includes the European Eel, currently listed as Critically Endangered (CR) on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, as well as the Japanese Eel and American Eel, which are classified as Endangered (EN).
Most consumed eels originate from wild eel fry (glass eels) that are captured and then farmed, making live eel fry targets for capture in many countries as essential ‘seed’ in farming/aquaculture operations. Eel farming predominantly occurs in East Asia, with imports from the Americas into the region remaining high.
Customs import data for Anguilla live eel fry for the East Asian countries and territories provide an overview of trade dynamics of live eel fry imported into the region.
It is noted that while all East Asian countries/territories have import codes for live eel fry for aquaculture, the definitions vary, potentially including larger size of eel fry in the data.