Over 2.7 million people viewed the Fish Doorbell in 2024, according to Visdeurbel.

Weerdsluis, a manually operated lock located in Utrecht, The Netherlands, is home to thousands of fish and other wildlife. Every spring, the fish swim through the canals in search of a place to spawn eggs and reproduce. When the lock gates are closed, migrating fish are forced to wait, which leaves them vulnerable to predators such as birds and other fish. 

Enter: the Fish Doorbell, an underwater camera that allows online viewers to see fish waiting to pass through the lock gates and ring the online doorbell when they see an underwater friend on the livestream. This alerts the lock keeper, who unlocks the gates when there are many fish waiting to pass through. 

The innovative design was necessary, according to experts, as the lock gates are not opened often in the spring, making it difficult for fish to migrate upstream. 

For more on animals, click here.

Since launching in March 2021, the project has attracted global attention, gaining viewers from the United States, Australia, Europe and South America, supporting the initiative to teach people worldwide about fish migration and nature conservation. 

The Fish Doorbell was created by the municipality of Utrecht, Hoogheemraadschap De Stichtse Rijnlanden (HDSR), and Mark van Heukelum of Dutch Wallfish, with the aim of managing water quality in the Vecht, Kromme Rijn and Utrecht’s canals. 

Fish inhabiting the canals are vital to biodiversity, helping to keep the water clean and healthy. The doorbell aids in understanding more about the species’ present in the canal, which in turn helps scientists and conservationists improve the quality of life underwater.  

The most common species caught on camera are Perch and Bream, however Catfish, Pike and Eels have also been spotted on the doorbell. Researchers say that the best time to spot fish is in the morning or at dusk, when they are most active. 

Want to ring the Fish Doorbell? Find out more on the website!