The short-finned eel (Anguilla australis) is a catadromous fish native to the freshwater rivers, lakes, and estuaries of Australia, New Zealand, and some Pacific islands. Known for its elongated, snake-like body and remarkable migratory behavior, the species spends most of its life in freshwater before migrating to the ocean to spawn. The commercial fishing of short-finned eel is particularly significant in Australia and New Zealand, where it supports both domestic consumption and export markets, especially to East Asia where eel is a delicacy. These countries have established regulated eel fisheries, with quotas and seasonal closures to ensure sustainability. In Australia, the states of Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia are leading producers, while New Zealand’s North and South Islands both contribute to a well-managed eel industry. The careful management of short-finned eel fisheries in these regions is crucial, given the species’ complex life cycle and vulnerability to overfishing.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.