U.S. fishermen poised to harvest billions of baby eels worth $2,000 a pound as authorities battle illegal sales

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has decided to maintain the annual quota for baby eel (elver) harvest in the U.S. at nearly 10,000 pounds, a value that will be in effect through at least 2027. This decision was made amidst concerns over illegal fishing and conflicts between harvesters and fishery officers, leading to the recent shutdown of the elver fishing season in the Maritime provinces of Canada. Despite arguments from U.S. fishermen for a larger quota, citing their responsible management of the valuable species, the commission has chosen to retain the existing restrictions. The elver fishery, operated only in Maine, is crucial for the supply of eels to Asian aquaculture industries and generates an annual income of nearly $20 million for harvesters. However, the sustainability of eel fishing has faced scrutiny due to illegal activities and dwindling global eel populations, with environmental groups and authorities working to combat poaching and illegal sales to ensure the long-term viability of the industry.