The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species conference rejected the European Union's proposal to strengthen restrictions on Japanese eel trade. Japan opposed the measure, arguing that stocks have been recovering. The outcome relieves concerns in Japan's eel sector.
The conference of the parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, known as CITES or the Washington Convention, rejected an EU proposal to tighten trade restrictions on eels. The measure aimed to add Japanese eel to the list of regulated species to curb smuggling of European eel mislabeled as Japanese eel or others. European eel has been regulated since 2009, and the EU claimed Japanese eel stocks are declining.
Japan firmly opposed this, stating that Japanese eel stocks have recovered since 1990 and face no extinction risk. Japanese eels are distributed across East Asia, including Japan and China, and differ from European eels. Japan also noted that smuggling is an issue for the EU to address through its own strengthened measures. A U.N. agency assessment indicating low extinction risk for Japanese eel bolstered Japan's position, leading to international recognition.
In the vote, approximately 70 percent, or 100 votes, opposed the proposal, with 35 in favor and 8 abstentions. Approval required more than two-thirds support, resulting in a decisive rejection larger than Japan anticipated. Opposition came from the United States, Asian nations like China and South Korea, and African countries. This outcome reflects Japan's diplomatic success from engaging African nations at an international conference in Japan in August.
As one of the world's largest eel consumers, Japan imports 70 percent of its supply from China and elsewhere. Glass eel catches are declining, and much of eel ecology remains unclear. To sustain the traditional food culture, Japan must lead in resource management, strictly enforcing aquaculture limits, combating poaching, and advancing full-cycle aquaculture from artificial hatching.