Endangered Species Sold in Booming Asian Fish Maw Trade

In September 2025, a new DNA barcoding study has exposed the alarming state of the fish maw trade across Singapore and Malaysia. Researchers analyzed 503 dried maw samples and identified 39 different species, including critically endangered European eels and large yellow croakers.

The findings have raised serious concerns about the lack of oversight in this lucrative industry. Fish maw, the dried swim bladder of ray-finned fish, is considered a delicacy in East and Southern Asia, often seen as a symbol of wealth and status. As demand has grown, so has the trade's value, with single bladders selling for tens of thousands of dollars.

However, the study also revealed widespread mislabeling, with cheaper species like bighead carp often passed off as high-value croaker maw. Experts warn this unregulated trade not only threatens rare marine species but also destabilizes surrounding ecosystems and undermines food security for coastal communities that depend on healthy fisheries.

Many of the identified species came from unmanaged or unmonitored fisheries in countries like Brazil, India, and Vietnam, with nearly 30% of samples linked to species that haven't even been properly assessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. If demand continues unchecked, more species could soon become vulnerable.

Researchers say Singapore and Malaysia are uniquely positioned to crack down on the trade by improving monitoring, labeling, and enforcement. They're also calling for expanded protections under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, along with better tools for identifying species in the market. International cooperation will be key to curbing demand before more marine species vanish.