Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Nov. 27, 2025 – The following statement was released today by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) from CITES CoP20.

Said Dr. Susan Lieberman, WCS Vice President of International Policy:

“WCS is deeply disappointed that Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) failed to support Proposal 35 to list all Anguillid eels, including the American eel (Anguilla rostrata) on CITES Appendix II at CoP20 in Samarkand. The proposal, submitted by the European Union and its 27 Member States and Panama, was unfortunately defeated today at the CITES meeting. There were strong lobbying interests against this scientifically sound effort to regulate the global eel trade.

“A CITES Appendix II listing would not have banned trade, but it would have ensured that any international trade in eels is legal, sustainable, and traceable—providing critical safeguards for a species whose populations have plummeted to historic lows. Scientific evidence clearly demonstrates that the American eel meets the criteria for such a listing.

“The decision leaves this iconic migratory fish—already threatened by overfishing, illegal trade, habitat fragmentation from dams, pollution, disease, and climate change—without the international oversight urgently needed to support recovery and prevent further decline.

“The American eel, an iconic species native to North America, including the Bronx River in New York City,  is now listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Once abundant across rivers and coastal systems from Maine to Florida and throughout the Gulf of Mexico, American eel populations have plummeted to historic lows.

“WCS has been at the forefront of American eel conservation, conducting pioneering research in New York’s Bronx River since 2012. This work has underscored the urgent need for habitat restoration and fish passage improvements.

“As populations of other anguillid eels—including Japanese and European eels—have collapsed, demand for American glass eels has surged, with prices exceeding $2,300 per pound and driving illegal and unregulated trade. An Appendix II listing would have strengthened monitoring and helped ensure that international demand does not further imperil the species.

“WCS urges governments to continue advancing science-based policies and international cooperation to conserve the American eel and indeed all anguillid species. The fate of these extraordinary fish reflects the health of our rivers, coasts, and oceans—and the consequences of inaction will be felt far beyond their waters.”