The Chinese domestic market is experiencing a surge in eel consumption, with over 60,000 eel-related dishes available in 2021, marking a nearly 20% increase from the previous year. This trend is attributed to the development of the domestic aquaculture industry, improvements in the catering supply chain, and the impact of the pandemic on international trade. As a result, domestic eel dishes are becoming more popular and accessible through various platforms like take-away apps and supermarkets. The aim is to reduce dependence on exports and promote a balanced domestic-international development in the eel industry.