Eel life
Last week a man was given a suspended sentence for smuggling millions of pounds worth of live elvers, known as glass eels, from the UK to China.
Last week a man was given a suspended sentence for smuggling millions of pounds worth of live elvers, known as glass eels, from the UK to China. In among the news of coronavirus and flooded towns, the story of the illegal baby eels has a strange poignancy. There is a connection between elvers and the spread of the virus and the wretched suffering of those whose houses are now regularly flooding.
Scientists believe that this latest coronavirus strain originated in birds, before infecting live animals sold in “wet” food markets and then to the humans who visited these places. In China these markets have a near cult status. The live creatures sold there include wild animals and birds, many poached or trapped and sometimes endangered species – such as elvers.
Get Instant Access
Continue Reading
Register for free to read this article in full
Subscribe for unlimited access
From just £37.50 quarterly
Print copy of The Tablet delivered directly to your door.
Complete access to all Tablet website content including all premium content.
Access to the weekly digital copy of The Tablet.
Full access to The Tablet’s archive – over 180 years of back issues.
Already a subscriber? Login
Help us keep The Tablet’s voice independent, clear and far-reaching.
Founded in 1840, The Tablet is the leading independent English-language Catholic weekly, celebrated for great writing, astute analysis, brilliant arts and books reviews and trustworthy reporting from correspondents in Britain, Ireland, Rome and across the world.
Independent, high-quality journalism is at the heart of what we do. The Tablet does not have deep pockets and we are not funded by rich donors. If you appreciate our work please consider supporting The Tablet’s Development Fund. It only takes a moment and you can cancel at any time.
- Support with £5 per month
- Support with £10 per month
- Support with other amount.
