Human beings have a pretty terrible reputation for overdoing it. From fishing and hunting to fossil fuels and construction, we often go so big that we ruin the natural ecosystems that have existed for millions of years.
However, one group of fishermen in Maine, USA, who fish and sell baby eels, or elvers, have set their minds on ensuring they don’t overfish their rivers. And it seems they’re going to be rewarded for doing so.
What Are Elvers?
Before discussing the big news in Maine, it’s first important to understand exactly what elvers are and why they are so important and lucrative.
Elvers are baby eels that weigh only a few grams each. They spawn by the hundreds, or even thousands, in rivers and streams and are caught by the pound in large nets. What’s especially interesting about elvers is they are caught as infants but not eaten until they have matured.
Elvers Are Essential to the Japanese Food Market
Once the elvers have been caught, they are sold by the pound to aquaculture companies in Asia, which then raise them until they are fully grown eels.
Finally, the eels are sold to food production companies around the continent and the world, as they are used in several popular meals in Japan and Japanese restaurants abroad.
Elvers Can Be Found All Over the World
From Texas to Nova Scotia, in Europe and in East Asia, elvers can be found in rivers, streams, and lakes all over the world. However, because they are so popular in Japanese cuisine, their numbers have started to dwindle in recent years.
In fact, the European eel has been listed as critically endangered since the 2010s, and several new restrictions have been implemented to ensure its survival.
With Worldwide Restrictions, Elver Prices Have Increased
Since elvers can no longer be fished as they once were in Europe, the supply of these tasty delicacies is notably lower than the demand. As in any economy, when this occurs, the price of the product increases.
Historically, elvers have always been valuable. However, last year, the price per pound skyrocketed to an almost unbelievable $2,009.
Elvers Are Far More Lucrative Than Any Other Seafood
To put things in perspective, the current price of elvers is more than 400 times that of lobster, which is often considered one of the most lucrative seafood products on the market.
However, with this immense increase in value, many are worried that fishermen are going to push the limits and harvest far too many elvers this season, which could cause the fish to become critically endangered or even extinct all over the world.
Elver Fishermen in Maine Are Taking This Task Very Seriously
In the Northeast corner of the United States sits the state of Maine where an abundance of elvers can be found in many streams and rivers.
But Maine claims it fully understands the importance of not overfishing for elvers, and in order to ensure that happens, the state has implemented several regulations.
Maine’s Regulations for Elver Fishers
According to the Maine Elver Fishermen Association, they never fish more than the state’s current quota, which is slightly less than 10,000 pounds of elvers per year.
Additionally, Mainers who want to fish for elvers are required to apply for a license. While more than 4,500 people applied last year, only 16 were approved, and there are now 425 total licenses. And even those who do have elver licenses are being watched constantly to ensure they don’t overfish.
The Maine Elver Fishermen Association Claims It’s Being Extremely Careful
As a letter from the Maine Elver Fishermen Association explained, “A Maine patrol officer must be present when the buyer is packing the elvers. A main Maine Warden tapes up each box to show that it was approved by the Marine Patrol.”
The letter continued, “With the fishermen being on an individual quota, they don’t fish most river and brook systems in Maine…Most of the fishermen have caught their quota before the glass eels start running in a lot of the rivers.”
Following All Protocols to Ensure They Can Keep Fishing
Finally, the letter said, “The Maine Glass Eel Fishermen have done everything that was asked of them by the ASMFC & the state of Maine,” and that they hope these realities will be taken into consideration as the ASFMC (Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission) makes their decision about changing the quota.
As of 2023 the annual quota for the state was 9,688 pounds, and fortunately, that quota has since been extended through 2024. But on May 1, 2024, the board will vote again for the coming year. While many elver fishermen would love to see an increased quota, they will also be content as long as it doesn’t decrease.
There Are Plenty of Elvers in Maine
While the elvers of Maine await the ASMFC’s decision, they desperately want the board, as well as the rest of the world, to understand that the rivers and streams of Maine have more than enough elvers.
Darrell Young, president of the Maine Elver Fishermen’s Association, told the Associated Press last year, “We always know we could have more. We think there’s plenty of eels.” Young says that’s due in large part to their dedication to implementing safe fishing measures.
Elver Fishermen Are Getting Back to Work Next Week
Whether the ASMFC changes the elver quota for next year or not, the 425 elver fishermen of Maine will still be back at it next week, waking up before dawn to cast their nets.
Hopefully, if the ASMFC and the Maine Elver Fishermen Association can continue to work side-by-side, both the elvers and the fishermen will thrive in Maine over the next few years.
