European eel
What to check for
Location
Northeast Atlantic
Technical location
Atlantic, Northeast, All areas
Caught by
Electrical fishing, Hook & line (pole & line), Net (demersal seine), Net (gill or fixed), Pot, trap or creel
Rating summary
European eel is a critically endangered species, and zero catch is highly advised. It is therefore a Fish to Avoid. There is no sustainable source of this species, even if certifications are in place.Rating last updated December 2025.
Technical consultation summary
European eel is a critically endangered species. There is no sustainable source of this species, and zero catch is recommended. It therefore receives a critical fail red rating and is a Fish to Avoid. Total catches are unknown because landings and effort data are incomplete and IUU fishing is known to occur. Provisional estimates for 2025 show that glass eel recruitment in 'Elsewhere Europe' was 12.1% of the level in 1960-1979, and in the 'North Sea' this falls to 0.7%. Yellow eel recruitment estimates for 2024 were 14.3% of the historical baseline. European eel is exploited throughout its lifecycle and across Europe, with fishing pressure ranging from minimal to severe overexploitation. ICES has advised a precautionary approach, recommending zero catches in all habitats for 2026. This applies to both recreational and commercial fisheries, including the capture of glass eels for restocking and aquaculture.Management measures for European eel have been ineffective in recovering the stock, with the species still listed as Critically Endangered. A 2020 European Commission report concludes that the status of European eel remains critical, with the regulation’s main target (40% escapement) unmet, and the effectiveness of national measures questionable. The European Parliament has similar concerns, with a 2023 resolution highlighting the need to address non-fisheries factors contributing to mortality, e.g. habitat loss, water quality deterioration, disease, etc. Eels are caught using many different fishing methods. As this species is a Fish to Avoid, capture method impacts have not been scored.The Sustainable Eel Group (SEG) have a standard for European eel producers, however it is currently not able to demonstrate measurable improvements in wild European eel stocks. The most recent ICES advice is for zero removals. SEG certified eel is therefore included within this assessment and is also red rated.
