Key Facts
• The EU proposed regulating Japanese eel trade under the Washington Convention.
• The Washington Convention aims to protect endangered wildlife through trade restrictions.
• European eel is already regulated under the convention.
• The EU plans to propose regulating all eel species, including Japanese and American eels, at the November conference.
• If adopted, export permits will be required for eel trade.
• Japan relies heavily on imported eels for domestic consumption.
• Potential impacts include disrupted supply chains and rising eel prices.
• Minister Koizumi stated Japan ensures sufficient eel resources through conservation in Japan, China, South Korea, and Taiwan.
• Koizumi criticized the EU’s decision as “extremely regrettable.”
• Japan plans to collaborate with like-minded nations to oppose the proposal.
Summary
The European Union has decided to propose regulating the international trade of Japanese and American eels under the Washington Convention, which aims to protect endangered species. If adopted at the November conference, export permits will be required, potentially disrupting Japan’s eel supply and increasing prices. Minister Shinjiro Koizumi expressed strong dissatisfaction, emphasizing Japan’s effective conservation efforts with neighboring regions and sufficient eel resources. He pledged to work with other nations to oppose the EU’s proposal.
