Unagi, Conservation, and the CNMI
A recent report highlights growing international concern over declining eel populations, including the Japanese eel, which reproduces near the CNMI before traveling to East Asia. Known as unagi, this prized delicacy is cherished in Japan and is also enjoyed here in the CNMI, reflecting the deep cultural and culinary ties between our islands and Japan. As demand for unagi grows, eel populations face pressures from habitat loss, overfishing, and environmental changes. For the CNMI, this issue hits close to home. Our waters play a critical role in the life cycle of the Japanese eel, making the health of our marine ecosystems vital for both conservation and our connections with partners in the Pacific region. I remain committed to protecting the CNMI’s unique marine resources and ensuring that our islands continue to be a steward of the environment that sustains both local communities and the broader Indo-Pacific.
