Ottawa, Ontario - The Government of Canada is committed to protecting aquatic species while supporting the cultures, communities and industries that depend on them. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) recognizes that the American eel (Anguilla rostrata) is culturally and spiritually important for many Indigenous communities in Atlantic Canada, Quebec, and Ontario, and that it also supports valuable fisheries on the East Coast.
After considering the best available scientific and socio-economic data, and comments received from Indigenous groups, provinces, partners, stakeholders and the Canadian public via public engagement and consultation efforts, the Governor in Council has decided not to list American eel under the Species at Risk Act (SARA).
The Governor in Council determined that managing American eel and its habitat under the Fisheries Act is most effective for conserving the species while also providing the greatest overall socio-economic benefits to Canadians.
DFO remains committed to protecting and conserving the American eel. Under the Fisheries Act, DFO will continue to address the threats posed to this species using an adaptive management approach. This approach will provide flexibility to continuously update protection and management measures as new science and Indigenous and local knowledge become available.
DFO will continue implementing measures aimed at minimizing the negative effects of habitat alteration, improving the species' migration passages, increasing the sustainability of American eel fisheries (including the elver fishery), and enhancing the science and data on the species. These measures will continue to be monitored to ensure they remain relevant and effective for protecting and conserving the species.
The conservation and protection of American eel is a shared responsibility, and DFO is committed to continue working collaboratively with Indigenous groups, provinces, partners, stakeholders, and all Canadians in this important endeavour.
