Maine's Baby Eel Fishery Quota to Remain Unchanged, Boosting Local Economy

The decision to maintain the current quota for baby eels, a vital component of the global Japanese cuisine supply chain, is met with approval from Maine fishermen.

• Baby eels, also known as elvers, are harvested primarily in Maine and are crucial for the global Japanese food supply chain, fetching over $2,000 per pound.
• An interstate regulatory board plans to keep the elver quota at its current level, with no sunset date, in response to concerns about potential cuts.
• The elver fishery, described as the most lucrative in the U.S. on a per-pound basis, has implemented strong management measures to combat poaching and ensure sustainability.
• Maine's elver industry, worth more than 400 times the value of lobster, faces a critical vote on May 1 by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.
• Over 4,500 applicants vied for just 16 available elver fishing licenses this year, highlighting the industry's high value and competitive nature.

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