Japanese eels have officially been classified as endangered, which could mean a ban on the international trade of the animal, according to BBC News.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature confirmed on June 12 that freshwater eels, which are also called Unagi, were added to the International Endangered Species list in a move to speed up industrial farming of the species.
Japan is the largest consumer of eels, where they are commonly eaten as a roasted delicacy, especially during the summer.
Japanese eels are also used in Chinese medicine, as they are rich in vitamins and minerals, according to BBC News.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature said eel populations have declined by as much as 90 percent over the last 30 years. Other species of eel are also facing levels of threat due to habitat damage and overfishing, according to
"We must speed up efforts to build large-scale eel production systems," said Japanese Agriculture Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi, according to BBC News.
Hayashi added that he had little choice but to allow Japanese fishermen to continue catching baby eels for the time being.
Pollution, barriers along waterways, and changes in ocean conditions were just some factors responsible for declining eel numbers, according to BBC News.
Japan currently purchases 70 percent of the eels captured in the world.
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