Conservation
Scientists and conservation groups have growing concern for the survival of the species as they can be legally fished, and have a slow reproduction rate, breeding only once at the end of their lifetime. In 2003 a scientist predicted their numbers to drop by between 5 and 30% in the following decade.
In June 2012 it was reported that some pet food companies use the nationally threatened eels in their products, sparking outrage by conservationists.
Read more about this topic: New Zealand Longfin Eel
Famous quotes containing the word conservation:
“The putting into force of laws which shall secure the conservation of our resources, as far as they may be within the jurisdiction of the Federal Government, including the more important work of saving and restoring our forests and the great improvement of waterways, are all proper government functions which must involve large expenditure if properly performed.”
—William Howard Taft (1857–1930)
“A country grows in history not only because of the heroism of its troops on the field of battle, it grows also when it turns to justice and to right for the conservation of its interests.”
—Aristide Briand (1862–1932)