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Spain’s Plan to List European Eel as Endangered Faces Coordinated Pushback Before Feb. 17 Committee Decision

The ministry says an endangered listing would trigger severe limits on catch, trade, consumption.

Overview

  • The Committee on Flora and Fauna will consider Miteco’s proposal on 17 February after a similar bid failed to secure a majority in 2024.
  • Miteco indicates approval could ban fishing and may also restrict commercialization and consumption across Spain.
  • Industry groups plan formal objections and say they will study legal action if overruled, while Basque fishers are already in court over their region’s canceled campaign.
  • Galicia and Asturias oppose the move, cofradías warn of closures and job losses such as in Arcade, and sector data cite 14 wholesalers, about 500 workers and a value chain near €50 million.
  • Fisher groups cite signs of stabilization and higher 2025 landings in Galicia (about 38 tonnes vs 34 in 2024), argue habitat and river connectivity measures lag, and invite Euro-Toques chefs to observe regulated fishing as they urge the Agriculture Ministry to state its position.