What is an Eel?

Eel is a freshwater and saltwater fish with a long, snake-like body belonging to the Anguillidae family. In Turkey, the European eel ( Anguilla anguilla ) is especially common. These fish, which have a life cycle in both seas and freshwater, migrate to the seas to reproduce and spend most of their lives in freshwater.

• Dimensions: An adult eel is usually between 40-120 cm and can weigh around 02-4 kg.

• Life Cycle: Eels spend most of their lives in fresh water; when the breeding season comes, they migrate to the Sargasso Sea and die after spawning.

Can Eel Be Eaten?

Yes, eel is a very valuable and delicious seafood both in Turkey and in world cuisine. It is especially consumed frequently in Japanese, European and Mediterranean cuisine.

• Taste: It has an oily, intense and characteristic taste.

• Popular Dishes:

• Unagi Kabayaki: A sauced and grilled eel dish in Japanese cuisine.

• Smoked Eel: It is very common in European cuisine.

• Baked or Grilled Eel: Preferred in Mediterranean cuisine.

How to Hunt Eel?

1. Traps and Nets:

• It is hunted using traditional methods, using traps and special nets.

• It is placed by taking into consideration the natural movements of fish in current waters.

2. Manual Capture:

• It can be caught in shallow waters with diving equipment, by hand or with simple tools.

3. Electric Fishing Technology:

• This method, which is popular in Europe and Japan, enables hunting by putting the fish to sleep.

4. Natural Traps:

• Eels like dark and narrow spaces, so they can be caught with pipe-like traps.

Eel Market and Export in Turkey

Sourcing and Production:

• Regional Production: Eel is naturally caught in freshwater resources and lagoons in Turkey, especially in the Aegean, Mediterranean and Marmara regions.

• Manufacturers in Turkey:

• Companies such as Reform Fisheries offer eel fresh, frozen or processed.

• Products are prepared according to special requests, such as processed fillet eel, smoked products or unagi kabayaki.

Export:

• Main Target Markets:

• Japan: It is very popular in Japanese cuisine under the name “unagi”.

• South Korea and China: High demand.

• Europe: Smoked and filleted products are popular in Germany, the Netherlands and Italy.

• Turkey's Place: Turkey plays an important role in European eel exports.

Eel Market in the World

1. Japan:

• The world's largest consumer of eel is Japan. It is consumed in large quantities, especially during the summer months for the Unagi no Hi festival.

• Japan imports most of its eel needs from European and Asian countries.

2. Europe:

• The Netherlands, Denmark and Germany are leaders in smoked eel production.

• Since the eel population is under protection in Europe, fishing quotas are strict.

3. China:

• It is one of the largest producer and importer countries in the world.

• Eel is also considered an important commercial product in the aquarium industry.

4. Prices and Economy:

• The price of eel is high due to its decreasing population and difficulty in catching it.

• The price per kilogram of processed products may vary between 20-50 USD.

Nutritional Values and Benefits of Eel Fish

Nutritional Values (per 100 grams):

• Calories: 185-200 kcal

• Protein: 18-20 g

• Fat: 11-15g (mostly healthy fats)

• Omega-3: Contains high levels

• Vitamins: A, B12, D

• Minerals: Phosphorus, Potassium, Magnesium

Benefits:

1. Heart Health: Omega-3 fatty acids help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health.

2. Immune System: Rich vitamin content strengthens immunity.

3. Eye Health: Vitamin A content supports vision functions.

4. Muscle and Bone Health: High protein content contributes to muscle development, and minerals contribute to bone health.