The CITES Treaty was drawn up for the regulation of international trade in endangered species of flora and fauna. The eel has been listed by CITES in Appendix II of the treaty. This means: not immediately under threat of extinction, but protective measures required. In Europe, these measures have been incorporated into the Eel Management Plan of each member state. ESA supports this plan, but takes it several steps further through the activities of the ESF-members and the Sustainable Eel Group.