Illegal Wildlife Trade of European Eels by Jack Wootton
When people think of the illegal wildlife trade the species that often come to mind are pangolin, elephant (ivory), rhino and their horns, tiger etc. But one species that does not usually come to mind is the critically endangered European eel. Yet this species is the most heavily trafficked animal in the world! Â
It is estimated up to 350million glass eels/elvers (both young eel stages) are smuggled out of European waters to Asia each year. Creating an illegal smuggling syndicate worth £2.5billion.Â
These eels are smuggled in suitcases and luggage or even hidden within large shipments bound for Asia. Once arriving in Asia, the young eels are grown on in warmer condition speeding up the growth rate. When eel reach a saleable size, they are sold for food. Starting with a legal value of around £250 per kilo in Europe and ending with a value of over £21,000 per kilo, organised crime groups have taken to smuggling eels over narcotics. Profit that can be made from smuggling eels outweighs the relatively mild penalties of getting caught. Â
The illegal wildlife trade is a huge pressure on animals across the world. Unregulated and unrestricted it has hugely damaging influences on wildlife and people. Non more apparent than the current circumstances we all find ourselves in, as a possible origin of COVID-19 is through illegally smuggled pangolins into wildlife markets in China. Â
For more information and articles on eels within the illegal wildlife trade see the below links;Â
