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compiled by Stein F, unpublished, 2023

To help protect the European eel, one of our key strategies, as described on our Theory of Change, is to play our part to combat illegal fishing and trade.  We do this to (1) minimise the harm to and loss of this vulnerable species and (2) maximise the value to those legitimate fishers and traders who operate responsibly. To support this aim we will:

• share information with enforcement agencies

• share information to influence governments to apply the resources to combat illegal fishing and trade

• publish news on arrests and prosecutions on our website and

• discourage illegal activity via application of the SEG standard

International trade of the European eel towards East Asia has significantly increased in the past decades and has raised concern within the international community, that listed the species in Annex II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Since the listing came into force in 2009, exports of this species need to be accompanied by a permit. However, in 2010, the EU has banned all imports and exports of European eel to and from the EU.

Nonetheless, under-reporting, poaching and illegal trade of the European eel have occurred, endangering the species and making the assessment of the impact of fishery, and its management, difficult. In June 2017, SEG identified that about 30 tonnes of eels, half of the declared European catches in seasons 2015/2016 and 2016/2017, equivalent to 100 million and twice the level of eels consumed domestically in Europe through aquaculture, could not be traced and were likely traded to East Asia.

Including Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU), Europol estimated that 100 t(350 million fish) of European eel are annually trafficked to supply Chinese eel farms.

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Estimates of the legal and illegal exploitation of European glass eel

The full pie represents the annual amount of young eel coming from the ocean into Europe (440t); each segment represents a different destination. Restocking outdoor waters in Europe; Aquaculture within Europe; illegally exported legal catch; illegally exported, illegal or undocumented catch (IUU); The “Free immigrants” represent the proportion that is not caught.

Sources: Bornarel et al 2017 (2015 recruitment estimate: 440 t); SEG-Report-2018-1-V1 (aquaculture, restocking, illegally exported from legal catch); EUROPOL press release (illegal export estimate: 100 t)

Hull International Fisheries Institute report:

The Impact of the Sustainable Eel Group on Reducing Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported Fishing and Trafficking of the European Eel

A scientific report released in September 2024 has indicated a major breakthrough in tackling illegal trafficking of European eels. It illustrates how a more holistic and inclusive conservation strategy – the legal framework for which is the EU’s Eel Regulation[1] – has saved an estimated 300 million baby eels annually. And it demonstrates that the Sustainable Eel Group (SEG), a leading Brussels-based NGO dedicated to the conservation and recovery of this critically endangered species, has arguably helped turn the narrative in favour of this strategy.

According to the independent evaluation, efforts which involve key players in science, industry, and conservation have resulted in an 80% reduction in the illegal trafficking of glass eels, which are particularly vulnerable to overexploitation despite their legal protection under CITES Appendix II. Europol previously estimated that up to 300 million glass eels, weighing around 100 tonnes, were trafficked illegally each year to East Asia. Now, thanks to coordinated enforcement actions and landmark policy developments, including the implementation of the SEG Standard — a voluntary standard promoting responsible eel trade — current estimates suggest that less than 50 million glass eels, or 15 to 25 tonnes, are trafficked annually. Studies indicate more than 50 million eel have been saved as a direct result of this policy.

Whilst ‘the key takeaway’ for Andrew Kerr, the chairman and founder of SEG, ‘is that [the group’s] substantial efforts to protect the European eel, or Anguilla anguilla, are paying off’ and SEG has succeeded in closing the grey zone between legitimate and illicit activity, he also acknowledges that the industry ‘must remain vigilant to prevent setbacks’. The trafficking issue is now shifting to the American eel, Anguilla rostrata, causing significant challenges for both species. Thus, he says conservations’ work ‘is far from over’, and that SEG and its partners remain ‘committed to continuing [its] efforts to ensure the recovery and sustainable management of anguillid eels, and calls on all partners to join in this crucial endeavour’.

Bert-Jan Ruissen, a Member of the European Parliament involved in policy development on the eel, has praised this more holistic approach, saying that ‘the work of the Sustainable Eel Group is putting the Eel Regulation at the core of European eel policy again’. ‘This special fish will benefit from fewer obstacles to its enormous migrations to inland waters[…] Improved transparency and traceability for caught glass eels is an important way of combating IUU practices and certification schemes, such as SEG, are an important tool to ensure the legality of catches. We expect this new approach to have more effect than further limiting eel fisheries, which was the approach so far. Fishers play an essential role in the management of the eel population’.

This follows the publication of the European Parliament’s report on the ‘Implementation of the Regulation establishing measures for the recovery of the stock of European eel,’ which called for a more consolidated and coordinated approach to eel management across Europe[2]. The guidance emphasises the Eel Regulation as the core policy for the species’ recovery and highlights the essential role that both commercial and recreational fishers play in conservation efforts.

By working closely with fishers, policymakers, and environmental groups, SEG ensures the Eel Regulation is effectively implemented, reducing the impact of trafficking, as well as wider ranging environmental factors contributing to the eel’s decline. Collaboration on measures like eel passes, restocking programmes, and fish-friendly soft engineering techniques is key to removing migration barriers and supporting the long-term sustainability of eel populations.

SEG calls on EU Member States to take forward actions for the conservation of the European eel in their Management Plans required under the EU Eel Regulation and due this autumn.

The full report is available to view here.