日本欧盟吵翻，殃及中国，就为了一条鱼？中国80%养殖户要慌了？

Core Viewpoint - The conflict between Japan and the EU over eel trade highlights the tension between wildlife conservation and market demand, with Japan seeking to maintain its eel consumption while the EU pushes for stricter protections due to declining wild eel populations [1][10]. Group 1: EU Proposal and Its Implications - In June 2025, the EU plans to propose that all 18 species of eel be listed in Appendix II of the Washington Convention, which would impose strict trade limitations [2]. - Japan, as the largest consumer of eel, relies on imports for 70% of its eel consumption, primarily sourced from China, which produces 80% of the world's farmed eel [2][11]. - If the EU's proposal is approved, Japan's eel imports will significantly decrease, leading to skyrocketing prices and impacting consumer access to eel dishes [2][11]. Group 2: Eel Farming Challenges - Eel farming currently cannot achieve full artificial commercial breeding and heavily depends on wild-caught juvenile eels, leading to a vicious cycle of overfishing and declining wild populations [4]. - The wild eel population has drastically decreased due to overfishing and habitat degradation, with the European eel population shrinking by 90% since the 1990s [5]. - The demand for eels remains high, forcing farmers to increase their catch of wild juvenile eels, further exacerbating the decline [4][5]. Group 3: Conservation Efforts and Technological Challenges - Scientists are working on overcoming the challenges of artificial breeding, with some progress made in identifying breeding locations and techniques for artificial fertilization [7]. - However, high mortality rates and costs in artificially bred eel larvae remain significant obstacles, with commercial viability still a long way off [7]. - Both Japan and the EU recognize the importance of eel conservation, but their priorities differ, with the EU focusing on immediate protection and Japan on market needs [9][10]. Group 4: Impact on China and Global Eel Industry - China, as a major eel farming country, faces vulnerabilities in its industry, with previous policy changes leading to the bankruptcy of many farms reliant on European eel larvae [11]. - If the EU's proposal is enacted, China's eel farming and export scale could shrink dramatically, threatening the livelihoods of many farmers [11]. - Japan's potential success in commercializing artificial eel breeding could lead to lower prices and profit margins for Chinese farmers, highlighting the complex relationship between conservation and industry development [13].