The research achievement has gained recognition for its academic and technical excellence through being published in the international scientific journal and its patent application. The technique is expected to become an innovative turning point of a science-based management system as well as in responding to the CITES regulation.

Recently, the European Union (EU) proposed the uplisting of all anguillid eels to CITES Appendix II including Anguilla japonica due to the illegal trafficking of European eel and the rapidly declining eel resources. 

The president of NIFS (Mr. Choi Yong-seok) said, “As a result of taking preemptive response to the strengthened international regulations, the new species identification technique is very significant in that it secured the science-based foundation to protect the eel aquaculture industry as well as the fishermen. Aiming to commercialize the technique in 2026, NIFS will push for the productization of it in earnest through technology transfer.” He also said, “We will do our best to ensure that the technique will be of practical help in increasing the transparency of domestic eel resource management and release programs.”