The Department of Agriculture (DA) and eel growers in the country have agreed to consolidate their efforts to compete in the lucrative export market, amid the dwindling supply of Anguilla japonica, the preferred eel variety in Japan and South Korea. DA Secretary Proceso Alcala already met with domestic players to discuss initial plans on how to further develop the glass eel industry in the country. Dr. Apolinario Yambot, Dean of the Central Luzon State University-College of Fisheries said that Japan and South Kore are counting on tropical eel as substitute for the Japonica species.

De Vera, E. B. (2015, January 20). Eel growers, DA eye crack at export market. Manila Bulletin, p. 12.