Global eel populations, long considered essential to the sushi industry and deeply rooted in cultural traditions, are facing severe decline. Overfishing, habitat loss and the accelerating impacts of climate change have placed several eel species under increasing pressure, raising alarms among conservation groups worldwide.
This week, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) held discussions on whether international trade restrictions should be introduced to help protect vulnerable eel populations. Despite growing scientific evidence of population collapse and widespread illegal poaching, member countries voted against adopting new protections. The decision has sparked renewed debate among governments, conservationists and seafood industry stakeholders.
Countries such as Japan and the United States argued that stricter trade rules could damage local economies and disrupt livelihoods linked to eel farming and sushi production. However, environmental groups warn that without stronger international oversight, the decline will continue and could push some species toward extinction.
With global demand for eels remaining high, conservationists say the failure to act now will only increase pressures on wild populations. They are urging CITES and national governments to revisit the issue, strengthen monitoring systems and adopt sustainable harvesting measures before the situation becomes irreversible.
The debate reflects a broader challenge facing the seafood industry: balancing cultural and economic interests with the urgent need to protect species at risk.