Top American Eel Fishing Countries

The American eel (Anguilla rostrata) is a catadromous fish native to the rivers and coastal waters of eastern North America, known for its elongated, snake-like body and remarkable life cycle that includes spawning in the Sargasso Sea. Highly valued for both its meat and as a source for the global live eel market, especially for aquaculture in Asia, the American eel supports significant fisheries in the United States and Canada, which are the top harvesting countries. In the U.S., major eel fisheries are concentrated in the Atlantic states, particularly Maine and South Carolina, where glass eels (juvenile eels) are collected for export. Canada, especially the provinces of Quebec and Nova Scotia, also plays a key role in the commercial eel fishery, exporting both live and processed eels. Due to high demand and declining populations, these fisheries are closely regulated to ensure sustainability.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.