Japanese eels slip past international regulations... for nowーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

Key Concepts

• CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora): An international agreement that aims to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
• Conference of the Parties (COP): The governing body of CITES, which meets periodically to review the implementation of the convention and make decisions about its future.
• Japanese Eel (Anguilla japonica): A species of eel that is a popular delicacy in Japan and other East Asian countries.
• European Eel (Anguilla anguilla): A species of eel found in Europe, which is already protected under CITES.
• Glass Eels: The juvenile stage of eels, which are caught in the wild and used for aquaculture.
• Complete Farming: The process of raising eels from eggs to full-grown adults in captivity.
• Poaching and Smuggling: Illegal hunting and transportation of protected species, in this case, glass eels.
• White Diamonds: A nickname for glass eels due to their high value and the illegal trade surrounding them.

CITES Vote on Eel Trade Restrictions

Rejection of Export Restrictions on All Eel Species

An international conference on trade in endangered species, the Conference of the Parties to CITES, held in Uzbekistan, voted against a proposal to impose export restrictions on all types of eels. Japan, a major consumer and farming country, opposed the move, fearing significant price increases. China and South Korea, also major eel farming nations, joined Japan in opposing the proposal.

Details of the Vote

• Proposal: To extend export restrictions, similar to those already in place for European eels, to all eel species, including Japanese eels.
• Outcome: The proposal was rejected.
• Vote Count: 100 countries voted against the measure, with only 35 in favor.
• Requirement: Amendments to CITES require a two-thirds majority to be approved.

Background of Eel Consumption in Japan

Japan has a long-standing cultural appreciation for eels, dating back to the 8th-century poetry collection Manyoshu, which mentions eel as beneficial for combating summer weight loss. The delicacy remained popular, with post-war "salary men" consuming grilled eel to maintain energy levels.

Current Eel Supply in Japan

• Source: Almost all eel consumed in Japan is cultivated from juvenile glass eels caught in the wild.
• Aquaculture Challenges: Studies on "complete farming" (from eggs to full-grown eels) began in the 1960s but remain commercially unviable due to high costs.
• Import Reliance: Japan is the world's largest consumer of eels and heavily relies on imports.
  • Domestic Consumption (Last Year): 61,000 tons.
  • Imports: Approximately 70% of domestic consumption.

Reactions to the CITES Decision

• Relief in Japan: An organization working to restore eel stocks in Japan expressed significant relief, stating, "I was seriously worried. So it comes as a real relief that the proposal was not approved."
• Finalization: The decision to reject the proposal will be finalized at a general meeting scheduled for December 4th.

Analysis of the CITES Vote Failure

Reasons for Lack of Support for the EU Proposal

According to NHK World's Kobayashi, who has been covering eel conservation in Kagoshima Prefecture, the proposal failed to gain sufficient support due to several factors:

• Opposition from African Member Countries: The chairperson of the committee noted that most African member countries opposed the proposal. This is likely because they do not want their own fisheries to be negatively impacted by broad, blanket restrictions.
• Influence of China: China, with its significant influence on countries in the Global South, also opposed the idea.
• Resistance to Imposed Environmental Policies: There appears to be resistance to environmental policies being imposed from outside, particularly by European countries.

The "Botswana Elephant" Analogy

Kobayashi cited an example from his time as a correspondent in Africa to illustrate this sentiment:

• Botswana's Elephant Population: Conservation efforts led to a substantial increase in the elephant population in Botswana, causing serious problems for local communities.
• Proposed Culling and Backlash: When the Botswana government proposed reducing the elephant population, it faced backlash from some European countries.
• President's Response: Botswana's president reportedly responded angrily, stating, "If elephants are so important for you guys, I will send 20,000 of them to your countries."
• Key Takeaway: This highlights a significant gap between the ideals of some environmental policies and the practical realities faced by people on the ground.

Future of Eel Conservation and Trade

Continued Need for Conservation Efforts

Despite the rejection of the CITES proposal, Japan and other consumer countries must intensify their conservation efforts.

The Persistent Problem of Glass Eel Poaching and Smuggling

• High Value of Glass Eels: Catches of glass eels have been low in recent years, driving prices up to over $10,000 per kilogram. This has led to them being nicknamed "white diamonds" in the industry.
• Trafficking as Big Business: The high value has made trafficking of glass eels a significant illegal enterprise.
• Regulatory Ineffectiveness: Current regulations have not been successful in eradicating this illegal trade.
• Risk of Reigniting Debate: If the situation is not brought under control, it could lead to renewed calls for stronger regulations.

International Cooperation Challenges

• Beyond Japan: Eel consumption is not limited to Japan. Other countries also need to take action.
• Bilateral Efforts: Japan has been working with countries like South Korea and China to tighten regulations.
• Limitations of Current Frameworks: However, the framework agreed upon between these countries is not legally binding and has not proven effective.
• Diplomatic Rift Concerns: A deepening diplomatic rift between Japan and China could further hinder cooperation on this issue.

Conclusion

The CITES vote to reject export restrictions on all eel species signifies a temporary reprieve for the international eel trade. However, the underlying issues of declining eel stocks, the lucrative illegal trade in glass eels, and the challenges of international cooperation remain significant. Consumer countries, including Japan, must strengthen their domestic conservation efforts and find more effective ways to combat poaching and smuggling. The future of eel trade regulation is uncertain, and the debate is likely to continue if conservation challenges are not adequately addressed.