Title: International Audience Rings Fish Doorbell to Aid Dutch Fish Migration
In Syracuse, N.Y., graduate student Aliza Haskal has found a unique way to entertain her friends – by offering them a live feed from a camera six feet below the surface of a river in the Netherlands. This camera captures the movements of fish as they swim by, and with the press of a button on the website, a worker in Utrecht can open a dam to help the fish migrate to shallower waters for spawning.
The project, known as the fish doorbell, was created by ecologist Mark van Heukelum in 2020 to assist fish migration in Utrecht’s canal system. Since its debut, the live stream has gained international popularity, with over a million users visiting the website since it went live for the season on March 1.
Users like Aliza Haskal and Eleanor Janega from London find joy in participating in what they call “ecological teamwork” by ringing the fish doorbell. The project has even attracted viewers from as far as the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand, who have developed a fascination with helping Dutch fish reach their spawning grounds.
Despite some technical limitations and the project not being as efficient as a fish ladder, the fish doorbell has succeeded in getting people to consider their role in helping wildlife. Climate policy specialist Lisa Brideau encourages viewers to look for similar projects in their own areas to support natural ecosystems.
As the fish doorbell continues to attract a dedicated audience, it serves as a reminder of the connection between humans and nature, even in urban contexts. The project’s success lies not only in aiding fish migration but also in inspiring individuals to take action in preserving the environment.
