Do you know which fish can move short distances on land and even climb to overcome obstacles? This month's protected species is the European eel (Anguilla anguilla). These remarkable abilities help the eel navigate small barriers and forage along the edges of water bodies.

The European eel is classified as Critically Endangered (CR) both in Latvia and globally. It faces numerous threats, including overfishing, disease, illegal trade, pollution in rivers and seas, migration barriers, and changes in the Gulf Stream.

Unfortunately, the European eel is also the most frequently trafficked wild species in Europe. Every year, around 100 tonnes of glass eels are illegally caught along the European coast and smuggled to Asian countries. The high demand for eel meat as a delicacy drives this black market, with the price of glass eels reaching several thousand euros per kilogram.

Learn more about the European eel in the eel fact sheet. The PDF version is available here.
Fact sheet design by: Kristīna Bondare.