SeafoodSource contributing editor Jason Holland has examined the issues facing the European Eel. In a detailed feature, he summarises:

“There are many elements conspiring against the eel’s survival. Almost all of these are the result of man’s activities, such as the removal of natural eel habitats, increased marine pollutants, the location of barriers to migration and the introduction of marine turbines and pumps. Climate change is also believed to have played a part in the decline. But not all enemies to the eel are unintentional consequences; overfishing and an unsustainable (sometimes illegal) eel trade are also major problems.

The European eel (Anguilla anguilla) has turned a big corner: not in terms of population — scientists claim the stock is still 95 percent less than it was 30 years ago; but what has happened is there’s a growing army of support that wants to ensure this mysterious fish isn’t lost forever.”

Jason’s full article can be read here