Image by Oviphagy (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Humans are the greatest threat to wolf eels.
Although their numbers are not known it is assumed that the wolf eel is in decline, partly because despite their appearance they taste very good. In fact, historically, the wolf fish was reserved for the healers of the tribes which lived along the coast of the northwest Pacific.
Because wolf eels will prey on crab they can be considered a nuisance species to crab fishermen who often catch them in their traps.
There is no commercial fishery for wolf eels, but they are still hunted legally and illegally for their flesh.
Because wolf eels will prey on crab they can be considered a nuisance species to crab fishermen who often catch them in their traps.
There is no commercial fishery for wolf eels, but they are still hunted legally and illegally for their flesh.
Photo by Oviphagy (Own work) [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons
Local populations of wolf eels have been wiped out in waters of many metropolitan areas as a consequence of fishermen and aquarium collectors as well as habitat destruction, pollution and accidental catching; once eliminated from a site wolf eels will not return naturally (Creys). There have been efforts to restore wolf populations in some areas. Crey's article discusses a breeding and release program for VPA.
A survey from 1957-1961 stated that sport fishermen took an estimated 200 wolf eels a year. About two thirds were speared by skin divers and most of the others were caught by skiff fishermen.
Wolf eels are often caught in crab traps or fishing nets.
Human pollution can affect wolf eel habitat, degrading it and making it uninhabitable. Because wolf eels make their home in rocky reefs their homes are susceptible to damage from storms, pollution, trawler nets and other factors.
Trawler nets, which many fishermen use, are particularly damaging because they destroy rocky reefs where wolf eels reside. Conservationists and scientists suggest using alternative method of logline traps which won't damage the reefs.
According to Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife "the wolf eel appears to be a species that is sensitive to harvest and may be affected by competition with Pacific giant octopus and with fisheries; During 1999, one area in the harvest zone was surveyed that once contained a large wolf-eel colony. There were no wolf-eel present when surveyed. Fisheries that harvest octopuses, urchins, and crab may remove prey resources that wolf-eel depend upon" (Jaglio 6).
A survey from 1957-1961 stated that sport fishermen took an estimated 200 wolf eels a year. About two thirds were speared by skin divers and most of the others were caught by skiff fishermen.
Wolf eels are often caught in crab traps or fishing nets.
Human pollution can affect wolf eel habitat, degrading it and making it uninhabitable. Because wolf eels make their home in rocky reefs their homes are susceptible to damage from storms, pollution, trawler nets and other factors.
Trawler nets, which many fishermen use, are particularly damaging because they destroy rocky reefs where wolf eels reside. Conservationists and scientists suggest using alternative method of logline traps which won't damage the reefs.
According to Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife "the wolf eel appears to be a species that is sensitive to harvest and may be affected by competition with Pacific giant octopus and with fisheries; During 1999, one area in the harvest zone was surveyed that once contained a large wolf-eel colony. There were no wolf-eel present when surveyed. Fisheries that harvest octopuses, urchins, and crab may remove prey resources that wolf-eel depend upon" (Jaglio 6).
Natural Predators
Harbor seals are known to prey on wolf eels.
Young wolf eels and eggs are vulnerable to large variety of predators.
There was a report of a 16 1/2 inch wolf eel found in a salmon stomach.
Young wolf eels and eggs are vulnerable to large variety of predators.
There was a report of a 16 1/2 inch wolf eel found in a salmon stomach.