Eels Are Getting Scarce as They Are Farmed, and Eel-Flavored Catfish Have Arrived

Original headline: Eels Become an Endangered Species; Japan Farms "Eel-Flavored Catfish" to Solve the Problem

Eel cuisine

According to Japanese media reports, an eel farming company in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, recently announced that it will commercially farm the "eel-flavored catfish" developed by Kindai University. It aims to farm about 100,000 of them by the "Doyo no Ushi no Hi" in 2016.

Japanese media noted that in recent years, as the natural eel fry needed for eel farming have declined, eel prices have continued to soar. The company aims to sell grilled catfish and other products next year at an affordable price lower than that of eel.

At a press conference held in Osaka, the company's president, Hirofumi Makihara, said, "We have created a way for more consumers to taste catfish," expressing expectations for promoting the relevant products in the future. The business is handled by "Japan Catfish Production," established by Makihara Eel Farming, with researcher and Kindai University associate professor Masahiko Ariji serving as chairman.

Previously, Kindai University conducted repeated experiments on feed and water quality management and successfully developed a catfish variety that has no muddy taste and a texture similar to eel. Ariji and others will provide technical support for the farming.

At the press conference, Ariji said, "I hope that in the future catfish dishes can be easily enjoyed at restaurants in various places."