Japan firm begins world’s first sales of fully farmed eels

Yamada Suisan, a Japanese aquaculture firm, has launched the world's first fully farmed eels, a move that could significantly impact the future of eel consumption. The company began trial sales of frozen grilled eel, known as "kabayaki," on May 29 in Oita Prefecture. This innovation aims to address concerns over dwindling wild eel populations and establish a sustainable supply.

Traditionally, eels consumed in Japan are caught young and then raised in farms. Full-cycle farming, however, involves breeding eels from eggs laid by farm-raised adults. While this method promises reduced dependence on wild stocks, the current cost of fully farmed eels is three to four times higher than those caught from nature. Technological advancements, supported by the Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, have helped reduce production costs from approximately 40,000 yen per eel in 2016 to about 1,800 yen currently, with a goal of reaching 800 yen.

The Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries aims to transition all eels distributed in Japan to those raised from artificially hatched juveniles by 2050. Yamada Suisan's product launch precedes the summer season, a peak time for eel consumption in Japan. The company is gauging consumer willingness to pay a premium for this sustainable option. The product is available at the company's Tokyo restaurant and online, as well as through major retailer Aeon Group. Early consumer interest, like that of graduate student Shotaro Yamada, highlights a desire to support new technologies that ensure future availability of the popular dish.

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I am interested in how it tastes different from the eel (I usually eat). I want to support the technology because it will be needed for people to keep eating eel in the future.