Critically Endangered (Population decreasing)

A suite of threats is implicated in the eels’ demise – weirs and dams, hydropower and water-pumping stations could be blocking their migration pathways from the sea into the freshwater catchments where they grow and mature; overfishing, pesticides and parasites are believed to be part of the problem; and climate change …

Listed as Critically Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. UK Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Species. On the OSPAR list of threatened and/or declining species and habitats.

Today, the American Eel’s complex life cycle is threatened by overfishing, loss of access to habitat, mortality due to hydro-electric turbines, and other factors. The American Eel is listed as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), as well as by Ontario’s Endangered Species Act.

Some in North America can inflict a sting that humans notice. Elsewhere in the world, a few catfish species can even kill humans. Catfish venom poisons a victim’s nerves and breaks down red blood cells, producing such effects as severe pain, reduced blood flow, muscle spasms and respiratory distress.

Most catfish eaten today are raised on catfish farms. In contrast to the sometimes muddy taste of fresh-caught catfish, the flavor of farmed catfish is consistently mild. Recipes calling for other fish, meat or poultry can be easily adapted to use catfish.

“Catfish has a very low amount of mercury, which is very toxic to the human body and can, when consumed in large quantities, damage the nervous system,“ Adeolu said.

Nutrient-dense protein sources like catfish may aid weight loss by boosting feelings of fullness. This fish is also a great option for people who are watching their calorie count but want to make sure they’re getting enough nutrients.