Management and Status
- Cultural significance (Nga taonga tuku iho – te tuna; The eel – An ancient gift from the gods)
- Important fishery – sustenance/commercial (depleted stock – ASMFC)
- Endangered in Ontario; species of concern in the U.S. (2 listing petitions)
- “There’s gold in them thar eels”
- Recent increase in demand (Asian aquaculture)
- Value < $200 a pound (2010) to $2,600 (2012)
- 9,700 pound quota in Maine (2016)
- $12 M harvest in Maine (2017)