Japanese scientists at the National Research Institute of Aquaculture, Fisheries Research Agency announced on April 8th that they have successfully farm bred eel, completing an artificial cultivation cycle, a world first that could help protect one of Japan's traditional foods.
The type of eel, known as unagi in Japanese, is a popular delicacy in the country, and can commonly be found in both grocery stories and restaurants. Mature eel have traditionally been caught in tubular traps. However, for decades small eel have been captured in mass quantities in the wild and raised to maturity on farms for eating. This method has unfortunately caused stocks of the fish to plummet in recent years.
Sankei News reported that in 1957 approximately 207 tons of small eel were caught, but by 2008 that number had dropped to just nine tons. Beyond that, attempts at farm breeding the animal have not been successful worldwide.
In response, scientists at the Fisheries Research Agency began studying artificial breeding methods. By 2002 the Agency had accomplished artificially fertilizing and incubating eel eggs. The Agency has also had success in raising eel larvae to maturity.
This year the Agency took matured, artificially raised eel, ranging between then ages of 2 to 5 years, and were able to repeat the process of egg fertilization and incubation.
The Asahi reported that on March 26th, approximately 250,000 eggs from one eel were fertilized, of which 70% were successfully incubated. By April 2nd the eel larvae were being feed nutrients, and 100,000 were still alive as of April 8th. This has demonstrated the completion of a farm-style cultivation cycle for eel.
While the researchers note that the technology used is still extremely costly, and other have mentioned the need for the determination of the safety and taste of these artificially raised eel, a means to save the animal from overfishing and possible extinction have been found.
It also stands to reason that the outcome of the research will help drastically reduce the price of domestic eel within Japan, and generate a new potential export for worldwide markets, something which in both Japanese consumers and business can rejoice.
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