Study Overview

Professor Kenzo Kaifu and Research Fellow Hiromi Shiraishi of Chuo University, together with Professor Yu-Shan Han of National Taiwan University, conducted the world’s first quantitative study to reveal the global consumption structure of freshwater eels (genus Anguilla). The research team combined DNA barcoding of eel products—purchased from retail stores and restaurants worldwide—with production and trade statistics to estimate species composition at the global level. Their findings were published in Scientific Reports on August 15, 2025.

Key Findings

First global assessment of eel consumption integrating DNA barcoding with production and trade statistics.

More than 99% of global eel consumption consists of three threatened species (American eel, Japanese eel, and European eel) listed in the IUCN Red List.

East Asia accounts for the majority (64–85%) of global eel consumption, with Japan ranking first in per capita supply.

The American eel is the most consumed species worldwide, followed by the Japanese eel and the European eel.

Large discrepancies (up to 2.4-fold) between international statistics reveal serious gaps in eel production and trade data.