Effective enforcement of laws, traceability needed for trade in European eels: COP19 draft decision

Source: The post is based on the article “Effective enforcement of laws, traceability needed for trade in European eels: COP19 draft decision” published in Down To Earth on 23rd November.

What is the News?

The draft decision of the 19th Conference of Parties(COP19) to the CITES has asked for strengthening coordination between countries exporting and importing European eels and for improving traceability and effective enforcement measures for trade in the species.  

About European eels

The European eel (Anguilla anguilla) is a species of eel, a snake-like, catadromous fish. 

Conservation status:

IUCN Status: Critically Endangered

CITES: Appendix II

Habitat: It is found in the continent’s freshwaters and estuarine habitats.

Geographical distribution: European eels can be found from the northern reaches of Russia and Finland all the way down to the coasts of Morocco, Egypt, and even within the Black Sea.

Features: This species is nocturnal and secretive, preferring to burrow into the mud and under stones during the day. At night, European eels emerge to feed on a variety of food sources.