Nederlands Passion for Eel
We aim for commercial production of glass eel in the foreseeable future.
Our team of biologists work in a brand-new facility to make it possible
Our Ambition
Glasaal Volendam BV wants to grow glass eel from adult eel, after fertilization in the lab and rearing the larvae. Glass eel is a very popular product with a high sales value per kg. Glass eel is used for eel farming and (outside the Netherlands) also for direct consumption. But the farming of European glass eel has not yet succeeded anywhere in the world. The technique is in the development phase.
Our team of biologists is working at the forefront of science to make it possible. By doing new experiments all the time, we take breeding a few steps further each time. We collaborate with universities to achieve faster progress. Since 2022, we have been able to breed larvae through to the willow leaf stage. Most of the life cycle is under control. One more step to glass eel!
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See all news itemsNewsletter January 2025
incremental improvements In the second half of 2024, we took further steps to improve the growth and survival of...
Eel as Endangered species
Current eel farming depends on wild glass eels (young eels). Glass eels are caught off the European coast and then reared as eels for consumption. Some of it is released back into fresh water to support eel stocks in inland waters. Nevertheless, European eel stocks are threatened by obstacles in the migration routes, reduction of habitat, pollution, diseases and overfishing. Eel stocks in the Netherlands have declined by 95% over the past 50 years.