25 November (London, England) – The Sustainable Eel Group (SEG) is calling for an immediate halt to the export of European eels from the United Kingdom to Russia, a practice which raises significant ethical and environmental concerns. A petition led by Richard Fleming [1] to end this controversial trade has this week surpassed 50,000 signatures, reflecting widespread public support for decisive action to protect this critically endangered species.
The trade to Russia is deeply problematic. Geopolitical tensions and a lack of transparency have limited opportunities for effective monitoring and tracking, and so risks enabling unsustainable practices. Enforcement authorities cannot rule out the possibility of juvenile eels finding their way to East Asia, where they reach around €5,000 per kilogram on the black market. Moreover, Russian officials have openly admitted [2] that the catch-and-harvest methods employed in the Vistula Lagoon ensure near zero escapement, stating that ‘the eel is a sedentary fish, but it may leave the bays in the sixth or seventh year. But by that time it will have already been caught’.
Nutrient pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial waste has already driven the lagoon toward a ‘hypertrophic’ state [3] while canal construction in the Polish section has further destabilised the natural ecological balance [4]. This degradation poses an immediate threat to eel populations and puts the exporter’s claims of ‘pristine habitat’ and chiefly environmental motivations in much doubt.
By prioritising short-term profits over responsible practices, the parties involved are not only failing to support conservation efforts but compromising the reputation of the entire trade. This risks alienating stakeholders and fuelling calls for extreme measures that could jeopardise the future of the eel and the livelihoods of those who depend on it. Already, motions are being tabled by anti-fishing groups and enforcement agencies for a blanket ban on fishing for eel. Whilst understandable, such approaches would unfairly penalise responsible fishermen and undo years of conservation and monitoring progress made under the EU Eel Regulation and through application of the SEG Standard.
SEG supports a regulated and responsible fishery – which includes the Severn – and therefore objects to the UK Government’s decision to issue licenses for trade to Russia whilst also rejecting blanket bans as counterproductive. Fundamentally, the SEG Standard provides a clear and effective path forward. This framework ensures responsible fishing and processing, protecting eel populations whilst empowering responsible fishermen to continue their important role in monitoring and conserving the species. A balanced, science-led approach is essential to securing the long-term survival of the European eel and maintaining the integrity of the sector.
[1] ‘Petition to stop export of baby eels from UK to Russia’, Change.org
[2] ‘Regional authorities are waiting for eel larvae from England to meet demand’, New Kaliningrad
[3] ‘The trophic state of the Vistula Lagoon: an assessment based on selected biotic and abiotic parameters according to the Water Framework Directive’, Oceanologica
[4] ‘Poland accuses Russia of exaggerated environmental claims in canal row’, The Guardian