Environment & Climate
Illegal trade in European glass eels fuels sharp population decline
Deutsche Welle reports that criminal networks generate up to €3 billion in peak years smuggling endangered glass eels.
The short version
- European eel numbers have fallen roughly 95% since the 1980s, threatening the critically endangered species.[Deutsche Welle]
- Traffickers earn up to €9,000 per kilogram for young glass eels, yielding an estimated €3 billion during peak years.[Deutsche Welle]
- Local fishers contend that regional conservation restrictions penalize lawful operators while illegal syndicates continue to profit.[Deutsche Welle]
Key facts
- European eel populations have dropped by approximately 95% since the 1980s.[Deutsche Welle]
- Young glass eels command prices reaching €9,000 per kilogram within illegal trafficking markets.[Deutsche Welle]
- The illicit trade produces an estimated €3 billion in profits during peak years.[Deutsche Welle]
- Local fishermen argue that regional bans unfairly penalize law-abiding fishers while organized syndicates profit.[Deutsche Welle]
What remains uncertain
- The full annual value of the illicit trade remains an estimate that fluctuates, reaching up to €3 billion in peak years.[Deutsche Welle]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.