UNEP-WCMC technical report

Preliminary overview of the genus Anguilla

(Version edited for public release)

2 Preliminary overview of the genus Anguilla Prepared for The European Commission, Directorate General Environment, Directorate E - Global & Regional Challenges, LIFE ENV.E.2. – Global Sustainability, Trade & Multilateral Agreements, Brussels, Belgium

Published September 2015

Copyright European Commission 2015

Citation UNEP-WCMC. 2015. Preliminary overview of the genus Anguilla. UNEP-WCMC, Cambridge.

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Introduction 3 As a major importer of wildlife, the EU is considering potential engagement with range States to support their preparation for the upcoming CITES CoP17. The genus Anguilla was considered to warrant further assessment in this context, as to whether further action may be required for the genus as a whole or for individual species. This document provides a high-level overview of the various species in this genus (other than the Appendix-II listed Anguilla anguilla) to assist with this assessment.

This document provides basic overviews of relevant data for all species included in the genus Anguilla, with the exception of A. anguilla. These 16 overviews are primarily based on the IUCN Red List assessments, where available. Member States are invited to consider whether these taxa may merit further consideration in preparation for the upcoming CoP17.

Overview of the genus Anguilla - trade

Eels, Anguilla spp., are consumed globally, and East-Asian countries play a major role in the Anguilla industry (Shiraishi and Crook, 2015). More than 90% of Anguilla production is based on farming, which requires wild-caught glass for stocking, as the captive reproduction and raising of larvae to glass eel stage is not commercially viable yet (Shiraishi and Crook, 2015).

Global annual exports, as recorded by the FAO at the genus level, averaged around 20 000 t per year in the late 1970s (valued at 55-95 million US dollars/year), rising to over 130 000 t in 2000 (valued at 1000 million US dollars/year). Annual global exports then declined to slightly over 80 000 t in 2008 and 2009 (valued at more than 800 million US dollars/year) (FAO 2013 in Jacoby et al., 2014a). China and Taiwan PoC exported nearly 75% of this trade while Japan imported over 75% of all trade (FAO 2013 in Jacoby et al., 2014a). However, considerable recent declines in Japan’s eel consumption were reported, with consumer behaviour being influenced by concerns over chemicals used in Chinese eel production, and price increases for products due to changes in eel fry supplies for farms (Shiraishi and Crook, 2015). Meanwhile, China’s domestic consumption appears to have increased (Shiraishi and Crook, 2015). Furthermore, countries in South-East Asia such as the Philippines and were noted to have become an increasingly important exporter of Anguilla spp. in recent years (Crook, 2014).

The frequent discrepancies in global trade data, whereby customs data and the data reported to FAO by importers and exporters may differ considerably, and prevalent illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing for eel fry and glass eels and illegal trade in eels/eel products were considered to be of concern (Shiraishi and Crook, 2015).

Eastern Asian eel farming initially relied on A. japonica and shifted to A. anguilla once the former species’ availability was reduced; the EU ban of all trade in A. anguilla in 2010 meant that other Anguilla species originating in South-East Asia and the Americas became more important alternatives for the eel farming industry (Shiraishi and Crook, 2015). The eel industry in East Asia was found to continue to evolve to cope with changes in supply, whilst global production and consumption appeared to be declining due to reduced species and eel fry availability, as well as other factors (Shiraishi and Crook, 2015). Crook and Nakamura (2013) voiced concerns over the shifts in exploitation affecting this genus, whereby once one Anguilla species becomes over- exploited, trade shifts towards another species to satisfy the demand.

Further details on the distribution, conservation status, exploitation levels and other relevant information for each Anguilla species is provided in Table 1.

4 Table 1: Overview of Anguilla species (other than A. anguilla) for consideration in preparation for CoP17 Scientific name Distribution Population status Biology Trade Previous Protection status (Common name) and trends CITES discussions Anguilla australis Widespread throughout the Not yet assessed by the Semelparous [spawning A small but important Australia: Not currently listed under (Short-finned Eel) tropical and temperate IUCN. once in a lifetime] and commercial exists the Environment Protection and South-western Pacific, catadromous [migrate from for A. australis in south- Biodiversity Conservation Act (Aida et al., 2003; including New Caledonia, Population status and freshwater down to the sea eastern Australia. Most (EPBC) (Gomon and Bray, 2011a). catch is exported Wantanabe et al., New Zealand, the Chatham trend unknown. to spawn]. 2005). Islands, Norfolk Island, Lord Larvae metamorphose to overseas, either frozen or New Zealand: Not protected, but Howe Island and mainland the glass eel stage on smoked. A small quota management system for eels Australia (Gomon and Bray, continental shelf. Glass eels industry also in place (explained more fully under 2011a). move into estuaries and exists with all life-history A. dieffenbachii). rivers and developing into stages caught from the elvers, which is followed by wild and grown to a Protection status in other range a secondary upstream marketable size in lakes, states not identified. migration into freshwater. swamps, wetlands and Adults may remain in farm dams. Most of the freshwater environments for production occurs in 10-20 years (males mature Victoria (Gomon and at ~14 years, females at 18- Bray, 2011a). 24 years) before migrating to the sea to breed (Gomon and Bray, 2011a). A. australis resembles A. obscura (various authors in Jacoby et al., 2014g). Very widely distributed, with Categorised as Near Semelparous and Little species-specific India: Classified as ‘Endangered’, () two subpopulations, which Threatened by the IUCN catadromous. Breeds in the information available. but harvesting still occurs (Molur are in some cases referred in 2014. ocean and migrates into and Walker 1998 in Jacoby et al., (Jacoby et al., 2014a; to as two subspecies: freshwaters and estuaries Exploited for consumption 2014a). Talwar and Jhingran Population trend unknown, as juveniles, which migrate and possibly farmed in 1991). - Anguilla bengalensis but population decline of up rivers and streams to Africa; exports of eels Protection status in other range bengalensis, which occurs in close to 30% over the last mature in pools; some have been low over last states not identified. countries of the Indian 3 generations (36 years) individuals remain in coastal 10 years, but have begun Ocean region, including in suspected. Potential waters. to increase in recent Pakistan, India, , uplisting to higher threat years, but species are Nepal, , Myanmar, category thought to All species and subspecies mixed. and also in southeast Africa; potentially be more Anguilla share a simple appropriate. overall morphology and Of considerable - A. bengalensis labiata, colour pattern, making them commercial value in India. which occurs in Eastern difficult to distinguish It is unknown whether

Scientific name Distribution Population status Biology Trade Previous Protection status (Common name) and trends CITES discussions 5 Africa, from around the Common in eastern and without closer glass eels of this species Phongolo in South Africa as south-eastern African examination/genetic testing. are traded nationally or far north as Kenya, and as a water systems but internationally, as they vagrant in the Arabian declines observed and A. bengalensis is difficult to may be sold under peninsula (various authors in some anecdotal evidence distinguish from incorrect names. Sold on Jacoby et al., 2014a). for localised extirpation. A. marmorata (various local markets in India and authors in Jacoby et al., Bangladesh as yellow or Most common eel in India, 2014a). silver eel. Growing but localised declines in demand in China (various area of occupancy and authors in Jacoby et al., extent/quality of habitat, as 2014a). well as population declines; categorised as ‘Endangered’ nationally (various authors in Jacoby et al., 2014a). Anguilla bicolor Widespread distribution with Categorised as Near Semelparous and Believed to be the next China: Not protected (People’s (Shortfin Eel) two subpopulations, which Threatened by the IUCN catadromous. Spawns in preference [in Japan] after Republic of China, 2004). Number of are in some cases referred in 2014. the ocean (off south-west A. japonica, A. anguilla licences for take restricted (Jacoby (Aida et al., 2003; to as two subspecies: coast of Sumatra for [and A. rostrata] for and Gollock, 2014d). Exports of live Wantanabe et al., Population trend unknown, Javan/Sumatran consumption, with exports eel fry are subject to approval 2005). - Anguilla bicolor bicolor, but population decline of subpopulations) and rapidly rising to meet (Shiraishi and Crook, 2015). which is found in Indian close to 30% over the last migrates into freshwaters demand.

Ocean from the east coast 3 generations (24 years) and estuaries as juveniles, Indonesia: Regulation on the Export of Africa, Arabian Peninsula suspected. Little which migrate up rivers into Little species-specific of Glass Eels (Anguilla spp.) (PP across to north-western quantitative information streams where they inhabit information available, with 19/2012), stipulating that all eels Australia and greater available on population pools until they mature, export data including exported out of Indonesia must Sundaland; status, but clear that the although some individuals multiple species. Can be weigh 150g or more (Nijman, 2015). number of glass eels being (~25% of adults) will remain easily purchased in bulk Philippines: export ban in place - Anguilla bicolor pacifica, exported is rapidly rising in coastal/brackish waters. online (live and frozen), since May 2012 for juvenile eels not which is found in the Indo- and may mean that the and increasingly used to exceeding 15 cm (Crook 2014). West Pacific from China, species may quickly Age of glass eels at stock farms in China.

Taiwan PoC, Viet Nam, qualify for uplisting to recruitment to the coast is According to the FAO, Export restrictions in place for Philippines and the higher threat category. 124-202 days. catches of Anguilla spp. in several eel commodities in East Indonesian islands of Can live for up to 20 years; Indonesia and the Asian countries/ territories (see Borneo, Sulawesi, New Not considered common average age of maturation Philippines is 2000 t and a Shiraishi and Crook, 2015). Guinea and the Marianas anywhere and low is younger than those of significant proportion of

(various authors in Jacoby et population densities locally temperate eels. this may be A. bicolor.

al., 2014b). (various authors in Jacoby Protection status in other range et al., 2014b). A. bicolor is difficult to Reportedly also used in states not identified. distinguish from A. obscura the aquarium trade locally (various authors in Jacoby (various authors in Jacoby et al., 2014b). et al., 2014b).

Scientific name Distribution Population status Biology Trade Previous Protection status (Common name) and trends CITES 6 discussions Anguilla borneensis Restricted to Borneo Island Categorised as Demersal and catadromous. Little known on trade in Indonesia: Regulation on the Export (Indonesian and the surrounding Vulnerable by the IUCN in Leptocephali caught in this species. of Glass Eels (Anguilla spp.) (PP Longfinned Eel) Celebes Sea and Makassar 2014. Celebes Sea. Undertakes A. borneensis is not 19/2012), stipulating that all eels Strait region (various much smaller-scale currently being offered for exported out of Indonesia must (Aida et al., 2003; authors in Jacoby and Population trend unknown, migrations than most sale on online, but may be weigh 150g or more (Nijman, 2015). Wantanabe et al., Gollock, 2014a). but range has diminished Anguilla spp. and spawns in included in mixed 2005). considerably over the last waters near to their growth catches/shipments 30 years. Limited habitat. sourced from Indonesian information on the waters. population status, but Likely to inhabit different some evidence of areas of freshwater rivers Morphologically very depletion or extirpation and streams, brackish similar to A. japonica, from Malaysian Borneo. environments and therefore an easily Exploitation of the estuaries. targeted alternative rainforest along the river (various authors in Jacoby edge appears to be main A borneensis may be and Gollock, 2014a). driver of decline (various difficult to distinguish from authors in Jacoby and A. japonica (various authors Gollock, 2014a). in Jacoby and Gollock, 2014a). Anguilla celebesensis Relatively narrow and Categorised as Near Semelparous and Fishing and trade Indonesia: Regulation on the Export (Celebes Longfin Eel) patchy range; found in the Threatened by the IUCN catadromous. Recruitment of Anguilla species is of Glass Eels (Anguilla spp.) (PP Western Pacific from in 2014. to freshwater may occur all known to occur in several 19/2012), stipulating that all eels exported out of Indonesia must (Aida et al., 2003; Indonesia to the southern year round, which differs of its range States, but weigh 150g or more (Nijman, 2015). Wantanabe et al., Philippines, mainly within the Currently very little from temperate anguillids. proportion of

2005). Celebes Sea and the Gulf of information on the Age of recruitment is 90-122 A. celebesensis in these Tomini, but range still under population status. days (in Poso and Poigar catches is unknown. Philippines: export ban in place consideration. Population trend unknown, Rivers in Indonesia); it has since May 2012 for juvenile eels not Occasionally identified range but population decline of some of the shortest early Not currently offered for exceeding 15 cm (Crook 2014).

as vagrants outside of this close to 30% over the last life-history parameters of all sale online, and no (various authors in Jacoby 3 generations (24 years) anguillids. available information on and Gollock, 2014b). expected. A. celebesensis is thought potential demand for glass Protection status in other range states not identified. to undertake much smaller- eels of this species for scale local migrations than Very low densities locally, supplying East Asian eel while more abundant in other anguillids to spawn in farms (various authors in some locations (various waters near to their growth Jacoby and Gollock, habitat, with multiple authors in Jacoby and 2014b). Gollock, 2014b). spawning sites.

A celebesensis is particularly similar to A. interioris and A. luzonensis (various

Scientific name Distribution Population status Biology Trade Previous Protection status (Common name) and trends CITES discussions 7 authors in Jacoby and Gollock, 2014b). Anguilla Endemic to New Zealand in Not yet assessed by the Semelparous and Traditionally important Quota management system dieffenbachii the southwest Pacific IUCN. catadromous. Very long food resource for Māori. introduced in 2000 for the South (New Zealand (Eschmeyer, 2015). lived, with records of Commercial fishing since Island, and in 2004 for the North Longfin Eel) Ranked as ‘At Risk - females reaching 106 years 1960s, with yearly catch Island, which sets limits to minimum Declining’ in the New old. Recruitment of glass of 2000t by the 1970s, but and maximum size (220g and 4kg, (Aida et al., 2003; Zealand Threat eels into the freshwater river declining in 1980s, with respectively) and the Total Wantanabe et al., Classification System networks in New Zealand is almost half this taken in Allowable Catch (TAC). Māori have 2005). listings in 2013 (Goodman a very variable process 2000’s. a 20% allocation of fishery stocks. et al. 2014). which is thought to be Capture and export of glass eels Dramatic declines can be affected by the El Total Allowable Catch has has been prohibited (Anon., 2004; Niño and La Niña Southern Beentjes et al. 2005; Jellyman inferred by reductions in not been reached in any yearly catch since the Oscillations (McDowall fishing season since 2007 2007). 1970’s (Jellyman 2007). 1990; Todd 1980). (Jellyman 2007). Anguilla interioris Limited information available Classified as Data Catadromous, and inhabits Fishing and trade Indonesia: Regulation on the Export (Highlands Long- on distribution, but currently Deficient by the IUCN in tropical freshwater, brackish of Anguilla species is of Glass Eels (Anguilla spp.) (PP finned Eel) known only from the 2014. and marine ecosystems. known to occur 19/2012), stipulating that all eels northern half of New Guinea. Spawning thought to take in its range States, exported out of Indonesia must (Aida et al., 2003; However, larvae were found Little known about the place somewhere in the particularly in Indonesia, weigh 150g or more (Nijman, 2015). Wantanabe et al., in the Indonesian Seas population status, partly seas around northern New but the proportion 2005). around Central Sulawesi, due to difficultly visually Guinea - the exact location of A. interioris in these the Western Central Pacific differentiating this species is unknown. catches is thought to be and in the eastern Indian from others, but thought to very small. Ocean. May, therefore, have have relatively small A. interioris is particularly multiple spawning sites, and population. Population similar to A. megastoma A. interioris is not being be divided into continental trend unknown (various and A. luzonensis (various offered for sale online; no subpopulations with a wider authors in Jacoby and authors in Jacoby and information available on distribution than presently Gollock, 2014c). Gollock, 2014c). potential demand for glass thought (various authors in eels for supplying East Jacoby and Gollock, 2014c). Asian eel farms (various authors in Jacoby and Gollock, 2014c). Anguilla japonica Southern Pacific coast of Categorised as Larvae develop in pelagic (See information above on East Asian Japan: Export of live eel fry (≤ 13 g) (Japanese Eel) Japan, south to Hainan Endangered by the IUCN ocean areas and drift to general anguillid species countries/ from Japan has been regulated by Island, China, Taiwan PoC in 2014 (Jacoby and their estuarine recruitment trade) territories are the Export Trade Control Order (Aida et al., 2003; and the Republic of Korea Gollock, 2014d). areas over 5-6 months, trying to since 1976, and currently, exports of live eel fry are banned Dec-March, Wantanabe et al., (Jacoby and Gollock, where they metamorphose implement 2005). 2014d). Decline in abundance of into glass eels (Jacoby and Overfishing, particularly of regional and need to be approved by mature eels estimated at Gollock, 2014). A proportion glass eels to stock measures authorities April-Nov (Shiraishi and Crook 2015). 50% over the last 30 years of the glass eels moves farms, considered a threat instead of a (Jacoby and Gollock, upstream to feed and grow (Jacoby and Gollock, potential 2014d). as yellow eels, while some 2014). Recruitment varies CITES listing Capture of glass eels for remain in saline waters to (see e.g. aquaculture or research permitted

Scientific name Distribution Population status Biology Trade Previous Protection status (Common name) and trends CITES 8 discussions mature (Jacoby and year by year, and when A. China et al., for certain months of the year only Gollock, 2014). Matured japonica is not available, undated). and requires a licence; capture of silver eels migrate back to other Anguilla species are silver eel prohibited or restricted their spawning area, the sourced, although since 2013 in three of the main region along the western A. japonica is always the glass eel-fishing prefectures side of the seamount chain preferred choice (Shiraishi (Miyazaki, Kumamoto and of the Mariana Ridge and Crook, 2015). Kagoshima) (Jacoby and Gollock, 2014d). China: Not protected (People’s Republic of China, 2004). Number of licences for take restricted (Jacoby and Gollock, 2014d). Exports of live eel fry are subject to approval (Shiraishi and Crook, 2015).

Taiwan, POC: glass eel harvesting season controlled (seven months in 2013-14, reduced to 4 months for 2014-15) (Shiraishi and Crook, 2015), and take of eels larger than 8cm TL prohibited in most major rivers (Jacoby and Gollock, 2014d).

Export restrictions in place for several eel commodities in East Asian countries/ territories (see Shiraishi and Crook, 2015). Anguilla luzonensis Geographic distribution is Categorised as Near Catadromous, thought to Threatened by Philippines: export ban in place (Philippine Mottled thought to be very small, Threatened by the IUCN spawn in areas in the North overexploitation in the since May 2012 for juvenile eels Eel) found only on the Philippine in 2014. Pacific. Estimated to begin Philippines. Mixed fishery under 15 cm (but illegal export still island of Luzon and rarely in metamorphosis at ages of for eels in the Philippines, takes place) (Crook 2014) Only described as Mindanao; vagrants in Population trend unknown. 104–147 days and recruit at but information on species in 2009 Taiwan PoC. May also be Recently discovered 130–177 days old. national catch and trade is (Jacoby and Gollock, found on other islands in the species (2009), therefore Juveniles migrate upstream, not species-specific. The 2014e; Wantanabe et Philippines, but this remains very little information. inhabiting freshwater to country supplies East al., 2009). unconfirmed (various Thought to possibly mature prior to final Asian farms and authors in Jacoby and warrant uplisting to a spawning migration. increasing quantities of Gollock, 2014e). higher threat category exports of glass eels of (various authors in Jacoby Appears to have very concern. Based on and Gollock, 2014e). specific habitat preferences species composition of in small river branches up in Anguilla glass eels in the mountains. Cagayan River, at least 30 tonnes of A. luzonensis could have been exported

Scientific name Distribution Population status Biology Trade Previous Protection status (Common name) and trends CITES discussions 9 A. luzonensis is particularly to East Asia in the last 10 similar to A. celebensis and years (various authors in A. interioris (various authors Jacoby and Gollock, in Jacoby and Gollock, 2014e). 2014e). Anguilla marmorata Widest geographical Categorised as Least Semelparous and Highly commercial food China: Assessed as 'II Rare and (Marbled Eel) distribution of anguillids. Concern by the IUCN in catadromous, with a fish, with potential risk of Valuable’ in the Wildlife Range covers the east coast 2014. continued debate over the overfishing for food and Conservation Act Republic of China (Aida et al., 2003; of Africa, eastwards across number of isolated for stocking of farms. (Taiwan) (Wang 1998 in Jacoby and Wantanabe et al., the , including No detailed information on subpopulations and Taken in subsistence and Gollock 2014). 2005). India and Sri Lanka, the population size, and while spawning grounds. commercial fishery across Japan: Export of live eel fry (≤ 13 g) Indo-Pacific region, and the population trend is areas of its range. In high island chains in the central unknown, there is no Found in freshwater, demand in China. from Japan has been regulated by South Pacific. Latitudinally, evidence of declines. brackish and saline habitats the Export Trade Control Order range extends from south- However, effective during its continental growth Likely to be caught since 1976, and currently, exports of western Japan, Taiwan PoC population size may be stages. Ages at alongside multiple other live eel fry are banned Dec-March, and south-eastern China, to much smaller than in all metamorphosis from the anguillid species, due to and need to be approved by Viet Nam and Malaysia, with other Anguilla species. larval stage and recruitment broad distribution. Little authorities April-Nov (Shiraishi and Crook 2015). Capture of glass eels its most southern distribution thought to be approximately species-specific for aquaculture or research in the Southern Cape in Subpopulations are 125 and 155 days, information available. permitted for certain months of the South Africa. In Africa it is impacted by local threats, respectively. Yellow eel year only and requires a licence; restricted to southern Africa. and local declines have growth stage may be as Relatively easy to buy in capture of silver eel prohibited or Individuals have been found been shown in some areas short as 2-3 years in warm bulk online, as glass eels, restricted since 2013 in three of the in the Pacific and the (various authors in Jacoby productive habitats, but live adult eels and frozen main glass eel-fishing prefectures Galapagos Islands, but and Gollock, 2014f). about 6-20 years + in more eels. Offered mainly from (Miyazaki, Kumamoto and unclear if this is natural northerly latitudes (various suppliers in Indonesia, Kagoshima). migration, vagrant authors in Jacoby and Malaysia, Philippines, Viet

individuals, or introduction Gollock, 2014f). Nam and Sri Lanka. Indonesia: Regulation on the Export (various authors in Jacoby Increasingly used to stock of Glass Eels (Anguilla spp.) (PP and Gollock, 2014f). farms in China. About 35 19/2012), stipulating that all eels tonnes of exported out of Indonesia must A. marmorata were weigh 150g or more (Nijman, 2015). exported to Hong Kong in

the last 10 years from the Taiwan, PoC: glass eel harvesting Philippines alone (various season controlled (seven months in authors in Jacoby and 2013-14, reduced to 4 months for Gollock, 2014f). 2014-15) (Shiraishi and Crook, 2015), and take of eels larger than 8cm TL prohibited in most major rivers (Jacoby and Gollock, 2014d).

Export restrictions in place for several eel commodities in East

Scientific name Distribution Population status Biology Trade Previous Protection status (Common name) and trends CITES 10 discussions Asian countries/ territories (see Shiraishi and Crook, 2015).

Protection status in other range states not identified. Anguilla megastoma Pacific Ocean, ranging from Classified as Data Demersal and catadromous, Very little species-specific Protection status not identified. (Polynesian Pitcairn to Papua New Deficient by the IUCN in found only in the information. Not currently Longfinned Eel) Guinea in the South Pacific. 2014. headwaters of freshwater offered for sale online. May be separated into rivers. Adults spawn in the Thought to be caught (Aida et al., 2003; eastern and western Population trend unknown ocean, with spawning areas locally throughout its Wantanabe et al., subpopulations in the due to lack of data on thought to be somewhere in range (various authors in 2005). western Pacific Ocean population status and the Southern Equatorial Jacoby and Gollock, (various authors in Jacoby distribution. Locally Current, but unclear 2014g). and Gollock, 2014g). depleted and reported that whether one or multiple there have been local spawning areas. Little declines, but little data to information available about support claims (various ecology and life history, but authors in Jacoby and has more specific habitat Gollock, 2014g). preferences compared to other eels. Its occurrence in small islands may mean that recruitment fluctuates strongly between years.

A. megastoma can be confused with various other species, depending on the lifestage (various authors in Jacoby and Gollock, 2014g). Anguilla mossambica Relatively wide distribution Classified as Least Demersal and catadromous; Exports of Anguilla spp. Protection status not identified. (African Longfin Eel) but endemic to the South Concern by the IUCN in spends the majority of its reported from South Western Indian Ocean; 2014. life in freshwater or Africa, , (Aida et al., 2003; found in rivers from Kenya, brackish/coastal waters, and Wantanabe et al., south to Cape Agulhas, and Population trend unknown. before one spawning Tanzania, but no species- 2005). on Madagascar and other Lack of evidence of migration to the open specific numbers. western Indian Ocean negative impact by current ocean. Spawning areas islands (Jacoby and Gollock, threats. Relatively thought to be somewhere Reported increase in 2014h). common in the freshwater north east of Madagascar demand for glass eels of habitats of , (various authors in Jacoby this species for export to Madagascar and other and Gollock, 2014h). East Asia for farming. West Indian Ocean island Investment in / chains (various authors in farming in Madagascar and Mauritius, particularly

Scientific name Distribution Population status Biology Trade Previous Protection status (Common name) and trends CITES discussions 11 Jacoby and Gollock, this species, in recent 2014h). years; various Malagasy companies offer live eels for sale online (various authors in Jacoby and Gollock, 2014h). Anguilla nebulosa Distributed in the Indo-West Not yet assessed by the Demersal and catadromous. Species considered too Protection status not identified. (Mottled eel) Pacific (Eschmayer, 2015). IUCN. Found in marine, fresh and large for use in aquarium brackish waters. Adults trade but caught for food (Aida et al., 2003; Population status and rarely in coastal swamps, (various authors Froese Wantanabe et al., trend unknown. with a wide temperature and Pauly, 2015). 2005). tolerance. Found in greatest abundance in mud According to Jacoby substrates of dry zones. et al. 2014a, A. Most often found in deep nebulosa is a rock pools in rivers in the synonym of A. wet zones (various authors bengalensis, but Froese and Pauly, 2015). Eschmayer (2015) considers this species to be valid. Anguilla obscura Widely distributed, ranging Classified as Data Catadromous; inhabits No species-specific Protection status not identified. (Pacific Shortfinned throughout the Pacific Deficient by the IUCN in stagnant waters of both information on trade, but Eel) Ocean from western New 2014. freshwaters and coastal anecdotal evidence Guinea, the Solomon lagoons but is primarily suggests that juveniles (Aida et al., 2003; Islands and Fiji to French Population status and found in the lower reaches are sold in markets in the Wantanabe et al., Polynesia (various authors trend unknown, due to lack of rivers. Shows quite Solomon Islands. Rarely 2005). in Jacoby and Gollock, of information, however specific habitat preferences. found offered online. 2014i). does have quite specific Glass eels have recently Could potentially be used habitat preferences and been found to recruit to as a replacement for may be susceptible to atolls. Adults are thought to A. japonica (various overexploitation, migrate to spawn east of authors in Jacoby and particularly if demand Tahiti, but locality yet to be Gollock, 2014i). shifts to this species confirmed (various authors (various authors in Jacoby in Jacoby and Gollock, and Gollock, 2014i). 2014i).

A. obscura can be confused with A. australis and A. bicolor (various authors in Jacoby and Gollock, 2014g). Anguilla reinhardtii Distributed in Asia and Not yet assessed by the Demersal, catadromous and Longfin eels have long Australia: Not protected and no southwest Pacific IUCN. semelparous. Larvae been a popular food coordinated national legislation.

Scientific name Distribution Population status Biology Trade Previous Protection status (Common name) and trends CITES 12 discussions (Speckled Longfin (Eschmayer, 2015): New transported to the source for Aboriginal Collection of glass eels/elvers Eel) Guinea, eastern Australia, Population status and continental shelf before people in eastern restricted in some places. Licensing including Tasmania, Lord trend unknown. metamorphosis into glass Australia and have strong and permits required in others (Aida et al., 2003; Howe Island and New eels. Adults may remain in cultural significance. (Wohlsenn et al., 2002). Wantanabe et al., Caledonia (Froese and freshwater environments for Targeted commercially in 2005). Pauly, 2015). more than 50 years before Australia since 1950s or Tasmania: Commercial fishing on migrating to the Coral Sea 60s, most harvested in licence basis. Legal minimum catch to breed in depths greater estuarine trap fishery, size (300mm) and ban on the export than 400m (Gomon and which targets large yellow of live elvers. For recreational Bray 2011b). eels. Relatively small fishing: bag limit of 12 eels, numbers of glass eels are possession limit of 24 eels and size caught in upper estuarine limit of 300mm (Boxall, undated). areas for the aquaculture industry. Most exported Protection status in other range live to China (Gomon and states not identified. Bray 2011b). Anguilla rostrata West Greenland southwards Categorised as Egg hatch in the Sargasso Exploitation and trade of Considered Canada: Categorised as (American Eel) along the Atlantic coast of Endangered by the IUCN Sea and the larvae drift with eels (glass, yellow and for listing at “Threatened” in 2012; Classified as Canada and the Eastern in 2014. the currents to the silver) considered a threat CoP16 by ‘Endangered’ under the Ontario (Aida et al., 2003; USA, down to the Gulf of continental coasts to (Jacoby et al., 2014j). U.S. Fish and Endangered Species Act (Jacoby et Wantanabe et al., and the Caribbean Decline in silver eel metamorphosise into glass Trade data shows Wildlife al., 2014j).

2005). coast of Central America, escapement estimated at eels within the first year. dramatic changes in Service and some West Indian ~50% and decline in Glass eels enter estuaries “source” regions of live eel (Jacoby et al., U.S.: Review under way to consider Islands (various authors in yellow eel recruitment at and a proportion of these fry imported into East Asia 2014j). listing as ‘Threatened’ under the Jacoby et al., 2014j). 50-60% over three move upstream to mature (EA) over past decade, Endangered Species Act (Jacoby et generations (Jacoby et al., into yellow eels while the especially increase from al., 2014j). 2014j). others complete their yellow Americas (USA, Canada phase in estuaries. Yellow and Dominican Republic): Dominican Republic: seasonal glass eels take 3-30 or more 2004-2010, <10% EA eel fishing/export restrictions and years inland or in coastal imports from Americas (5- maximum quota of 1800 kg for 2014 waters to mature to silver 10 tonnes per year), fishing season (CODOPESCA, eels, which migrate back to 2011-2014: >30% (20-47 2014). their spawning area (Jacoby tonnes per year) (Shiraishi et al., 2014j). and Crook, 2015). EU Protection status in other range imports of live eel (most states not identified. >20 cm) from US, 2008- 2011: 200-300 tonnes per year, 2012-2014:130-160 tonnes per year (most to Belgium, EUROSTAT data).

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