Federal officials seized 109 kilograms of unauthorized baby eels, known as elvers, at Toronto Pearson International Airport. The search was conducted by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and the Canada Border Services Agency, resulting in the interception of elvers valued at $400,000 to $500,000 for overseas shipment. Earlier in March, DFO announced the closure of the elver fishery citing safety and conservation concerns.
An investigation under the Fisheries Act is now underway to address violations related to this incident. Federal data reveals that 149 individuals have been arrested for elver-related crimes, with a total of 208 kilograms of elvers seized this year. The crackdown on illegal elver trafficking emphasizes the importance of protecting this vulnerable species.
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