The Sustainable Eel Group (SEG) is proud to announce the publication of the latest iteration of the SEG Standard in several languages – intended to support the acceleration of the recovery of European eel populations. This revised framework reflects SEG’s commitment to supporting the EU Eel Regulation and builds on over a decade of collaboration with scientists, conservationists, and the commercial sector.
The SEG Standard now sets clearer criteria for legal and responsible eel fishing, aquaculture, and trade, ensuring operators across the supply chain meet stringent environmental and ethical requirements. The new version expands on best practice for glass eel fisheries, emphasises reducing mortality during eel handling, and strengthens the traceability of eel products from capture to market. This update is particularly crucial as the illegal trade of eels remains a significant challenge, despite the success of SEG and its law enforcement partners in mitigating its effects.
David Bunt, SEG’s project manager for the revision of the new Standard, says that ‘this is another step change forward for the European eel’. ‘It has been essential to gain input from the different interests in the eel to identify the best practices that will sustain each responsible use, with respect to culture and tradition, whilst also allowing the eel stock to recover and benefit aquatic wildlife’.
Andrew Kerr, Chairman of SEG, shares his confidence in the future, seeing scope in the latest revision to expand the Standard’s impact. In ‘closing the grey area between legitimate and illegal fishing, processing, and trade practices’, the Standard has already ‘contributed to saving an estimated 300 million glass eels per year from unsustainable interventions’. The latest iteration ‘sets even higher benchmarks for responsible fishing’ and therefore means ‘great things for eel and the sector’.
Fishermen, processors, and traders adhering to the new guidelines can expect enhanced market opportunities as consumer trust in ‘responsibly sourced’ eel products grows. SEG remains committed to ensuring the economic viability, transparency, and legitimacy of the European eel sector through responsible fishing practices, as these, in turn, contribute to the long-term recovery of the species.
This revision highlights SEG’s dedication to continuous improvement, aligning its efforts with the EU Eel Regulation and the broader goal of stabilising and reviving the eel stock in all parts of Europe. By encouraging responsible fishing, negating the illegal trade’s appeal, and supporting conservation projects, SEG’s updated standard ensures a future where eel and the communities that rely on it can thrive.
It is now available in French, Dutch and German.
 | English | The SEG Standard |
 | Deutsch | Der SEG Standard |
 | Français | La Norme du SEG |
 | Nederlands | De SEG Standard |