Accurate species identification is essential not only for ecological conservation and stock monitoring but also for improving the livelihoods of fishers and collectors. In Indonesia, however, many fishers cannot distinguish between species at the glass-eel stage, resulting in mixed catches sold without sorting. This practice lowers marketability and depresses prices. For example, in 2018 A. bicolor sold for as much as IDR 3,000,000 per kilogram (about USD 188), while A. marmorata fetched around IDR 1,000,000 (about USD 63). Today, prices have fallen sharply, largely because of declining supply, inconsistent quality, and the absence of species-level sorting. Current prices for non-selectively collected glass eels in Indonesia range from about USD 31–47 in Sukabumi to USD 19–31 in Central Sulawesi.
The Philippines, by contrast, offers a more structured trade model. Fishers and middlemen there often sort species before selling, which helps raise prices significantly. In 2025, A. bicolor pacifica in the Philippines was traded at PHP 7,500–15,000 per kilogram (approximately USD 129–259), while A. marmorata was valued at around PHP 1,500 (about USD 26). Although the Philippine glass-eel market is smaller and more localized, its emphasis on species-level handling demonstrates how proper identification can enhance the value chain and improve fishers’ incomes.
To address these challenges, IFRDMD convened the regional workshop “Enhancing Species Identification Capacity for Sustainable Glass-Eel Fisheries in Southeast Asia” in Palabuhan Ratu, Indonesia, on 25–26 September 2025. Palabuhan Ratu—one of the country’s key glass-eel recruitment sites—was chosen as a strategic location for the initiative. The workshop gathered 40 participants, including 12 women and 28 men, representing ASEAN Member States: Myanmar, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Viet Nam. Attendees also included nine fishers from the Cimandiri, Cikaso, and Poso Rivers, as well as an eel entrepreneur from Palu, Central Sulawesi.
The Chief of IFRDMD officially opened the event, emphasizing that broad participation from AMS ensures outcomes grounded in real-world needs and directly useful to fishing communities. Dr. Triyanto of the Indonesian Agency for Research and Innovation delivered the keynote address, “An Overview of Anguillid Eel Biology and Life Cycle: Supporting a Better Understanding of Species Identification and Sustainable Management.” Country representatives then presented updates on the current status of glass-eel fisheries, fostering a productive exchange of experiences and practices across the region. Complementing the technical sessions, participants joined a field trip to local collection sites and took part in hands-on exercises to distinguish anguillid species using morphological characteristics, reinforcing the practical application of identification skills in real fishing contexts.
Expected outputs include verified identification of glass-eel species in Palabuhan Ratu, strengthened stakeholder capacity in both field and laboratory settings, comparative insights into fisheries practices among participating countries, and greater awareness of the economic and ecological importance of species-level handling. By equipping fishers, collectors, and other stakeholders with the tools and knowledge to identify glass-eel species accurately, the initiative bridges science and practice—supporting biodiversity conservation while improving the livelihoods of communities that depend on these fisheries across Southeast Asia.
The workshop concluded with remarks from the Deputy Chief of IFRDMD, who commended participants for their commitment to advancing sustainable glass-eel management. The event successfully met its objectives of enhancing stakeholders’ knowledge and skills in species identification, highlighting the link between species recognition and market value, and strengthening cooperation across the region.