The Eel is a very important fishery resource that has dramatically declined throughout Europe. During the last 60 years. During the same period, fisheries production of eels has declined by 76%. The Eel is now classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN. Since 2007 it has been included in the Appendix II of the CITES Convention and exports are only permitted when it can be shown that they do not threaten the survival of local populations.