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A Fresh start for the UK, When?

Everybody has known for the last three years that BREXIT has been on the agenda. In terms of whether we will be able to export from UK to EU this is still unknown. The Scientific Review Group (SRG) and the Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) have between then been unable to address this very important matter. The subject has had no priority on the SRG agenda, there was no decision made at the June meeting or the September meeting and now the decision has been put back to the next SRG meeting in December. This is just 9 working days before the transition period ends. Bureaucracy is one thing dysfunctional bureaucracy is another or perhaps there is no distinction between the two.

2020 Season

The season as usual, threw up another curve ball just after the French season finished in the form of COVID 19. As you can imagine it was very tough not only with the COVID restrictions but also the uncertainty in the market. There was a lot of confusion whether we should be allowed to carry on fishing and shipping. It turned out to be a very good season for fishing but unfortunately one with a limited market. With many borders closed and traffic jams at border crossings we were lucky to have the aircraft to fly direct to some of our more distant customers. In the end the season was survivable but we would not wish to it repeat it again.

After David had taken such a beating in the robbery last year we now have no cash on site. Instead we using payment cards, we have had a few teething problems, but we believe it should be easier, quicker and safer for the fishermen this next year.

Eel News

Anguilla Japonica
There was a very significant production of glass eels last season. The estimate for whole of Asia is in the order of 80 tonnes production. The price started high at 40 CNY per piece dropping to 7 CNY by the end of season. Japan actually stopped fishing for a week, in order to manage the oversupply.
However, the farming of the eels is not going as well as expected this year. There was an increased uptake of glass eels to meet Olympics’ demand which never materialised. At the moment, the price of large eel is still high But it is expected that the price will drop by the end of year.
With reduction in supply of Anguilla anguilla this year more Anguilla japonica will be farmed in China to replace some of the loss of stocks of Anguilla anguilla.
Exchange Rate: 1 EUR = 7.98 CNY (05/10/2020)

Anguilla Rostrata

Season has already started in Haiti. The prices were exceptional last year, at 5000-7000 USD per kg, partly stimulated by the Canadians banning exports. Production this year is similar to last year, but the price is half of last year, at around 2700-3000 USD per kg, which is back at a normal price. The issue of Canadian exports and the fishing rights of the indigenous people has not been resolved, The market will be short of 4-5 tonnes glass eels, if the ban continues.

Anguilla Anguilla

In July, some 10 traders involved in illegally trading of Anguilla anguilla in China have been rounded up and incarcerated. Investigations are ongoing in China and in Europe. There have been so far no trials in China. It is rumoured that for those found to be guilty, jail sentences will be in the order of 10 years. There is an expectation that there will be further arrests in Europe as a result of these investigations in Asia. It is not clear whether attempts will be made to extradite people from France.
It will be a brave operator who has the courage to send glass eels to China this or in future years but no doubt someone will try.

Orders for 2021

2020 saw a few of our customers miss out on glass eels, as last minute decisions for orders were made too late in the season. Disappointing for us there being more than enough fish earlier on in the season to fill the orders. Recruitment this year was high, which looks good for the recovery of the eel. But, of course, every year we do not know how many glass eels will arrive on our shores. We would urge you to contact us should you require any English or French glass eels for this season.

France

Benoit and Lauren are still working hard at Civelle Durable preparing for the star of the new season. French quotas are predicted to be less this year. Commuting between France and UK is difficult because of social distancing, lockdowns and quarantines. How the trade will be manged in France year has not been decided but the aircraft at least gives us flexibility of movement. They have had some surprise members added to their team this week. Maya has safely given birth to 8 beautiful puppies!

Joining the 21st Century!

Please have a look at our new website! We are now also on Twitter and Instagram, so be sure to start following us for all the latest UK Glass Eel news!

Kind Regards,

Peter, Vicky, David, Nigel, Jack and Noodles (the dog)!
UK Glass Eels.

Benoit, Lauren and Mya (+8!)
Civelle Durable.

For Sale

Our colleagues in Greece are selling their eel farm, they are looking for a quick sale. If anyone is interested please contact Panos Dendrinos, dendrinos@eurofarm-sa.eu.