Accelerating the recovery of the European Eel

221 arrests, as war on trafficking continues

The European eel, once abundant in rivers and streams across Europe, now faces endangerment thanks to the effects of habitat loss, barrier construction, and illegal trafficking. The latter is driven by overwhelming demand in east Asian markets, where eel is considered a delicacy and juvenile eels, known as glass eels, represent an important ingredient in China’s aquaculture expansion. Fetching prices of up to €9,000 per kilogram, the illegal trade generates tens of millions of euros annually. This not only threatens to hasten the species’ decline, but also disrupts freshwater ecosystems and undermines international conservation efforts.

Spanish and Portuguese authorities, recognising the urgency of the problem, have launched a series of coordinated crackdowns on illegal trafficking networks. In a two-year operation, they dismantled a major player, arresting 221 individuals and seizing 800 kilograms of illegally harvested eels. These enforcement actions revealed the sophisticated methods used by traffickers to maintain, conceal, and facilitate the expansion of their operations, including the use of sales and marketing operations to create the impression of a legitimate seafood business. The operation was a testament to the power of international collaboration in tackling organised wildlife crime, when supported by intelligence-sharing and joint enforcement strategies.

Collaboration between the Seprona of Spain’s Civil Guard and the SEPNA of Portugal’s Republican National Guard has had wide-reaching social, economic, and environmental impacts, which include but are not limited to a clampdown on eel trafficking. On the part of both agencies, twelve mixed patrols have been assembled to address environmental issues, such as forest fire surveillance and prevention, with highlights including their participation in the International Exercise ‘Livex Lobo 2024’. Furthermore, joint services have made appearances at community events such as the Toro Carnival, Martes Mayor, and the Pilgrimage of the Virgin of Fatima in Petisqueira; and regular cross-border meetings and conferences have been held to strengthen personal relationships and ensure a united approach to shared challenges.

The Sustainable Eel Group strongly supports these collaborative efforts; something evidenced in its public statements over the last fifteen years, which indicate that tackling the illegal eel trade requires more than isolated enforcement actions; and in its recommendations, which call for cross-border patrols centred on areas with high levels of illegal activity. It also advocates for consumers and industry leaders to get behind the SEG Standard, which sets benchmarks for transparency and sustainable fisheries management at all stages of the supply chain, and therefore presents opportunities for close the ‘grey area’ between the legal and illegal trades. Note that not one eel seized as part of these operations passed through the SEG certified supply chain.

Moving forward, SEG calls for sustained investment in international partnerships, like those seen between Spain and Portugal, to combat the trade at its roots. By harmonising policies across Europe, empowering enforcement agencies with resources and training, and engaging with stakeholders in Asia to curb demand, it will be possible to set new global standards for tackling wildlife crime which ensure the long-term recovery of the European eel is secured.




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