New Licensing Rules for Elver Possession and Export
Official title: Conditions of licence for elver possession and export licences
Why This Matters
This mostly affects commercial elver fishers and buyers in Atlantic Canada. But if you care about wildlife trafficking or eel conservation, these rules aim to crack down on a lucrative black market. Elvers can fetch thousands of dollars per kilogram.
What Could Change
Holding facilities must now be licensed and report all elver transfers. Exporters must declare shipments to border services. Mixing legally caught elvers with illegal or foreign ones is now a criminal offence. Records must be kept for five years.
Key Issues
- What conditions should apply to elver possession licences?
- How can the licensing system accommodate First Nations fishing rights?
- What reporting requirements are needed to track elvers through the supply chain?
What Happened
Consultations were held with First Nations and stakeholders to explain the licence conditions and seek input on impacts to their elver fishing and trade activities. The Possession and Export of Elvers Regulations came into force on March 1, 2025.