In today’s increasingly polarised geopolitical climate, it can be tempting to assume that popular opinion exists within two distinct camps, the one diametrically opposed to the other. In the first of these there are the ‘progressives’, whose emphasis on globalisation and free trade bears a peculiar association with government regulation and environmental policies. In the second there are the new ‘conservatives’ who wage war on red tape within national borders whilst simultaneously increasing regulation on trade – the vocal advocates for a fossil-fuelled Renaissance in the West, who fear the balance of responsibility has tipped eastwards.

Yet when it comes to the future of the European eel, a species which has experienced a more than 90% decline over the past four to five decades, such binary thinking obscures a more nuanced reality. At a time where some parties have been calling for an extreme measure – moving eel to CITES Appendix I, which would effectively ban all fishing – there have been others campaigning for less restricted or even unrestricted trade, fearing that over-regulation will stifle regional economies and thus the livelihoods of fishermen. In this contentious debate, the SEG Standard offers a third, balanced way forward; one that safeguards eel populations whilst at the same preserving the interests of the communities that depend upon them.

The Sustainable Eel Group Standard is designed in the spirit of compromise and collaboration, bringing fishermen and conservation groups together instead of driving them apart. Rather than opting for an outright ban with the potential to drive fishing underground or overseas and devastate small-scale traditional fisheries, it enforces fixed definitions of responsible management, based on the most up-to-date scientific advice. By implementing comprehensive traceability protocols and a series of rigorous independent audits, the SEG Standard ensures that every stage of the supply chain – from capture to processing to smoking and retailing – is transparent and accountable. This approach not only protects the eel stock from overexploitation but also reassures consumers and regulators that the product in the market is responsibly sourced.

Unlike other ‘standards’, ‘quality marks’, and ‘eco-labels’ with a broad, unfocused, or opaque environmental agenda, the SEG Standard has a clear objective in improving eel monitoring and conservation practices and thus accelerating the recovery of an endangered species. By mandating measurable targets for reducing mortality and enhancing survival prospects during critical life stages, it has been possible to create an environment in which sustainable harvesting can taker place. Fishermen benefit from a framework that preserves their economic interests by ensuring that eel stocks can recover, thereby securing a future for their trade. It has also been possible to drive social and environmental change, with habitat restoration and restocking efforts involving the species and the community at large. The balance achieved through the United Nations’ Brundtland model – reflected not just in fisheries management, but the composition of the SEG Board itself – means both fishermen and the environment prosper.

Independent evaluations, most notably last year’s progress report from Hull University’s International Fisheries Institute, have verified that the SEG Standard’s measures translate into real-world success. Notably, these measures have resulted in a more than 80% decrease in illegal trafficking and significant improvements in the survival rates of glass eel, an outcome that underscores the Standard’s effectiveness and its role as a trusted instrument for responsible management. It is our intention that we will continue to build upon these successes to provide a pragmatic and forward-thinking solution to the polarised eel conservation debate.