Good news for everyone who supports the Utrecht Fish Doorbell: starting March 3, the digital doorbell can be pressed again! Every spring, fish migrate from the Vecht to the Kromme Rijn to spawn. For the fifth year in a row, residents and stakeholders worldwide can help alert the lock keeper when the fish are waiting at the Weerdsluis to swim through. This year, Barry the Bass, a 7-meter inflatable fish, will draw attention to fish migration at Utrecht Central Station.
Alderman Linda Voortman (Green & Animal Welfare): ‘The Fish Doorbell is embraced every year by Utrechters and people far beyond. Last year, there were nearly three million unique visitors who helped thousands of fish through the Weerdsluis in Utrecht. It shows that many people are involved with underwater nature and enjoy contributing. The urban nature of Utrecht is really put on the map with the Fish Doorbell!’
Festive Start with Barry the Bass
On Monday, March 3, at 9:00 am, Alderman Linda Voortman, Water Board Member Gijs Stigter, and children from OBS de Koekoek will open the Fish Doorbell at the Weerdsluis. This jubilee year also gets an extra festive kickoff: from March 3 to 10, the inflatable Barry the Bass can be admired at Utrecht Central Station. This not only celebrates the impact of the Fish Doorbell but also raises awareness of the importance of fish migration and clean water.
The Fish Doorbell: From Idea to Annual Success
In 2021, the Fish Doorbell went live for the first time to help migrating fish such as bream, pike, and bass. Every spring, thousands of fish move through Utrechts waters searching for a suitable place to spawn. But a closed lock can significantly delay their journey, and fish are easy prey for predators at that spot. By pressing the digital bell on visdeurbel.nl when fish appear in the picture, the lock keeper can open the doors at the right time. This supports fish migration in a smart and interactive way.
Removing Barriers for Fish
On their journey to places to lay their eggs, fish encounter many barriers. Gijs Stigter of Water Board De Stichtse Rijnlanden: ‘The locks, pumps, and weirs we use to keep the water at the right level hold back fish. That’s why we, as a water board, are constructing fish passages in many places. This way, they can still get through. We will soon open the hundredth one in our area!’
Fish Doorbell Journals: Watch and Discover the Importance of Fish Migration
After last year’s success, the Fish Doorbell journals with Mark van Heukelum (City Ecologist) are back! This year, we not only look at Utrecht but broaden our view to the Dutch River Delta. At four other locations in the Netherlands, we follow fish migration in the spring. In the journals, you can see how the Fish Doorbell helps fish find their way and why this is so important for healthy fish populations and clean water. Prepare for spectacular images and discover the fascinating underwater world!
Fish are Essential for Clean and Healthy Water
Fish eat algae and small animals, which helps keep the water balanced. They also indicate the water quality: some fish species can only survive in oxygen-rich and clean water. Water Board Member Gijs Stigter: ‘By pressing the Fish Doorbell, we not only help the fish but also the nature and water quality in and around Utrecht. Fish show how the water is doing. If certain species thrive, like the pike, it is a sign of clean and healthy water. The water board uses this information to further improve water quality.’
Collaboration
The Fish Doorbell is a project of the Municipality of Utrecht, Water Board De Stichtse Rijnlanden, and Mark van Heukelum of Dutch Wall Fish.
Help and Contact Municipality of Utrecht
Visit Address
Stadsplateau 1
3521 AZ Utrecht
Postal Address
Postbus 16200
3500 CE Utrecht