Most eel eaten in Hong Kong sushi restaurants is from endangered species, study finds
- DNA analysis by University of Hong Kong finds nearly 90 per cent of eel served in 80 sushi restaurants is from endangered or critically endangered species
- The results reflect the same pattern observed in grocers and convenience stores in Hong Kong, study’s lead author says
Sushi restaurants are popular in Hong Kong, a city known for its vast food and beverage scene. But many diners may not realise they might be consuming an endangered species when they eat at one.
According to a study by researchers at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), almost 90 per cent of eel products sold at 80 randomly selected licensed sushi restaurants in the city come from critically endangered or endangered species.
The researchers used DNA analysis to examine eel products, including roasted eel and sushi, sold in the restaurants – all with permits obtained from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department – between May and June 2020.
Almost 50 per cent of the samples were identified as critically endangered European eel (Anguilla anguilla), a species under threat due to overexploitation fuelled by increased demand from Asia, in particular China and Japan, where it is considered a delicacy and aphrodisiac.
European eel is listed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites), requiring export permits and inspection upon arrival in Hong Kong, under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance.
