"Eels are the stuff of nightmares - slimy, snakelike creatures that lay millions of eggs before dying so their offspring can return home to rivers and streams. They've existed since the time of the dinosaurs, and some species are more poorly understood than those ancient animals. Yet they're also valuable seafood fish that are declining all over the world, leading to a new push for restrictions on trade to help stave off extinction."
"The loss of eels motivated the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, or CITES, to consider new restrictions to protect the wriggling fish. The members of CITES, an international treaty, met in Uzbekistan this week to determine if the new rules on trade are needed. Member nations voted against the new protections on Thursday."
Eels are ancient, snakelike fish with complex life cycles that produce millions of eggs before adults die and offspring return to rivers and streams. Several freshwater eel species are vital to the global sushi industry and have declined by more than 90% since the 1980s. Declines result from river dams, hydroelectric turbines, pollution, habitat loss, climate change, illegal poaching and overfishing. Environmental groups have urged consumer boycotts and sought stronger protections. CITES met in Uzbekistan to consider trade restrictions, but member nations voted against new protections amid opposition from fishing groups, industry members and some regulatory agencies.
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