The Utrecht Fish Doorbell officially started on Monday, March 2, 2026. For the sixth consecutive year, residents and viewers from around the world can help the lock keeper by signaling when fish are waiting at the Weerd Lock to swim through. With the push of a button, they make fish migration possible again.
The popularity of the Fish Doorbell remains impressive. In 2025, the platform was visited 30 million times by 2.3 million visitors worldwide. This has made the Utrecht Fish Doorbell an international example of how nature restoration and public engagement can go hand in hand.
Festive Opening
The official opening took place on Monday morning, March 2, at 9:00 AM at the Weerd Lock. Alderman Linda Voortman, water board official Anjo Travaille, and students from OBS De Koekoek jointly kicked off the new Fish Doorbell season. During the opening, a special artwork was also unveiled at the spot where the camera looks into the water.
Worldwide Involvement
Alderman Linda Voortman (Green & Animal Welfare) looks back with satisfaction on the opening and reactions from home and abroad: “The involvement with Utrecht’s underwater nature via the Fish Doorbell is enormous. People really waited for the moment the Fish Doorbell would be visible again on the website. Some even traveled last year specifically from abroad to Utrecht to experience this special initiative up close. It shows how great the love for our city nature is. The Utrecht Fish Doorbell has become a worldwide icon.”
Clean Water Starts With All of Us
Closed locks form an important barrier for fish during the spring migration. Since 2021, the Fish Doorbell has helped migrating species such as bream, pike, and perch to continue their route towards the Kromme Rijn. By digitally ringing the bell when fish appear on screen, the lock keeper can open the lock at the right moment. Water board official Anjo Travaille again emphasized the importance of water quality: “Fish are an indicator of healthy water. They need clean, oxygen-rich water. By ringing the bell, people help fish on their way to the Kromme Rijn, where young fish are born. Together, we contribute to a cleaner water system.”
Experiences This Season
This season, there is again plenty of attention for fish migration and underwater life. The popular Fish Doorbell journals return, and crowd favorite Barry the Perch makes his appearance again. The seven-meter-long inflatable fish will be at the Neude from March 1 to 8, drawing attention to clean water and a healthy fish population.
Collaboration
The Utrecht Fish Doorbell is a collaboration between the Municipality of Utrecht, the Stichtse Rijnlanden Water Board, and Dutch Wall Fish.
Help and Contact – Municipality of Utrecht
Visiting Address
Stadsplateau 1
3521 AZ Utrecht
Postal Address
PO Box 16200
3500 CE Utrecht