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The
major threats facing eels are considered to be commercial
fisheries, habitat loss, chemical pollutants, disease arising
from introduced parasites, and oceanographic changes. These
factors may be operating in tandem and their impacts may
have gradually accrued over time.
The long lifespan and high fat content of eels have exposed
them to relatively high levels of persistent, bioaccumulating
contaminants (e.g., PCBs, mirex, mercury) over parts of
their range. Increased mortality, reduced reproductive ability
and disruption of migratory behavior are among the many
potential effects, but few studies specifically on eels
have been conducted. High levels of contaminants have prompted
human health advisories concerning eel consumption in some
states.
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