US launches crackdown on poaching of American baby eels that are in huge demand in Asia

Changes in the worldwide fisheries industry have turned live baby American eels into a commodity that can fetch more than US$2,000 a pound at the dock, but the big demand and big prices have spawned a black market that wildlife officials say is jeopardising the species.

Law enforcement authorities have launched a crackdown on unlicensed eel fishermen and illicit sales along the US East Coast.

Although not a well-known seafood item like the Maine lobster, wriggling baby eels, or elvers, are a fishery worth many millions of dollars. Elvers often are sold to Asian aquaculture companies to be raised to maturity and sold to the lucrative Japanese restaurant market, where they mainly are served grilled.

But licensed US fishermen complain poaching has become widespread, as prices have climbed in recent years. In response, the US Department of Justice, the US Fish and Wildlife Service and other agencies are investigating clandestine harvesting and sales.

Operation Broken Glass, a reference to the eels’ glassy skin, has resulted in 15 guilty pleas for illegal trafficking of about US$4 million worth of elvers. Two people are under indictment, and more indictments are expected.

In Maine, more than 400 licensed fishermen make their living fishing for elvers in rivers such as the Penobscot in Brewer and the Passagassawakeag in Belfast every spring. They say law enforcement is vital to protecting the eels and the volatile industry.