Overview
- The European Union and Panama’s bid to list all 17 Anguilla eel species on Appendix II failed in Samarkand, with nearly three-quarters of votes against.
- Japan led the opposition, calling the proposal unscientific and excessive, while several countries, including some African states, cited administrative burdens.
- The United States, China, industry coalitions and U.S. regional regulators argued national management is sufficient and that trade is not proven as the primary driver of declines.
- Conservation groups said a listing would strengthen species-specific monitoring and curb illegal laundering of baby eels, describing the vote as a missed opportunity.
- A separate resolution to improve data gathering and conservation capacity for eels remains on the conference agenda for debate later.