Signatories to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species voted to reject a proposal for blanket trade restrictions on all eel species, including the Japanese eel. The European Union submitted the proposal, arguing that export catches are driving population declines. Japan opposed it, citing a lack of scientific evidence.
On November 28, 2025, signatories to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES, also known as the Washington Convention) voted at a committee meeting to reject a proposal for blanket restrictions on the trade of all eel species, including the Japanese eel. The meeting took place in London, and the vote's outcome will be reported at the plenary session of the CITES Conference on December 5 in Uzbekistan.
The proposal was submitted by the European Union and other parties, which claimed that eel populations are declining primarily due to catches for export. The EU argued that a decrease in one species' population leads to the excessive exploitation of others. Japan opposed the measure, stating that the Japanese eel is not endangered and that the proposal lacked scientific evidence. In Japan, there are concerns that such restrictions could impact eel prices and supply, given the species' deep ties to the country's food culture.
According to The Japan Times, the EU's position highlighted the interconnected exploitation of eel species, while Japan's opposition emphasized the absence of robust scientific backing. The Japan News reported that the proposal came from the EU and others, with Japan firmly against it.
CITES aims to ensure that international trade in wild species does not threaten their survival. This rejection underscores ongoing debates over balancing trade interests with conservation efforts.