Eeling industry hits back at calls to ban commercial fishing of longfin eels

Eeling industry hits back at calls to ban commercial fishing of longfin eels

Source: Newshub

5/7/2022

Eeling industry hits back at calls to ban commercial fishing of longfin eels

Credit: Newshub

Longfin eels can be found in many of our waterways around the country. They're considered taonga - revered by Maori as a connection to the gods.

They're also fished commercially and according to the industry the population is booming.

"The eel fishery being perfectly sustainable, in fact if anything it's getting better," said environmental consultant Bill Chisholm.

It's estimated around 130 tonnes of the eel is caught every year for commercial and export purposes.

That could soon change with consultation on the conservation status of New Zealand freshwater fish underway.

But that hasn't stopped a petition to ban commercial and recreational fishing of the native eel.

"According to DoC (Department of Conservation) it is at risk/declining, that means at risk of extinction," said petitioner Liam McMahon.