Top European Eel Fishing Countries

The European eel (*Anguilla anguilla*) is a catadromous fish species native to European and North African waters, renowned for its long migrations between freshwater rivers and the Sargasso Sea, where it spawns. Highly valued for its delicate, rich flesh, the European eel has been a traditional delicacy and a commercial staple in several countries. The top European eel fishing countries historically include the Netherlands, Denmark, France, Spain, and the United Kingdom, where eels are caught in rivers, estuaries, and coastal waters. However, overfishing, habitat loss, and barriers to migration have led to a dramatic decline in eel populations, prompting the European Union to implement strict quotas and conservation measures. Despite these regulations, the eel fishing industry persists, with countries like the Netherlands and Denmark maintaining significant harvests, often focusing on glass eels (juvenile eels) for export and aquaculture. The species is now critically endangered, and sustainable management is a pressing concern for the future of both the eel and the communities that rely on it.

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