Banned imports of European eel fry alleged to be flooding into Japan via China
SEAFOODNEWS.COM [Yomiuri Shimbun] - July 25, 2014 -
Japan has been importing from China large quantities of European eel, an endangered species whose export from Europe is forbidden, The Yomiuri Shimbun has learned.
Importers of the eels claim the trading is legitimate, with export certificates from Chinese authorities. However, the Fisheries Agency plans to ask Beijing to investigate the exports. The agency is skeptical of the explanations provided by the Chinese side that European eels shipped to Japan could have matured in 2013 from eel fry imported to China from France in 2010.
"My guess is that eel fry have been smuggled from Europe to China after the export ban was imposed," an importer of the European eels said.
According to trade statistics, 55.8 tons, or about 223,000 European eels, that were alive and originated in France were shipped to Japan via China from January to May. This year's imports will likely set a new record.
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