This gives new meaning to livestream.
Spring is on its way and migrating freshwater fish have returned to the urban waterways in the Netherlands — and are relying on help from humans operating the unique “fish doorbell.”
An underwater camera on the popular website “Visdeurbel” allows fish enthusiasts to help thousands of scaly swimmers pass through a key gate in Utrecht, Netherlands on their way to breeding grounds in the old Rhine river in March and April.
The Fish Doorbell in Utrecht, The Netherlands nearly 20 species of freshwater fish passage through the Weerdsluis gate. visdeurbel.nl
Thousands of freshwater pokes, white breams, bleaks, perch, catfish and over a dozen other species confront a large gate called the Weerdsluis, which is closed due to boat traffic and interrupts the natural migration patterns of the fish.
When fish emerge from the murky depths and appear on camera, an alert is sent and watchers can press a button, which captures photos of the fish which are sent to manual lock operators on site. Those operators then open the gates to allow the migrators through.
Fish fans can watch a livestream from the “old canal” and ring the bell to open the gate when they spy waiting fish. visdeurbel.nl
“The fish doorbell also helps us learn more about the species swimming through the city,” the site stated. “We use this knowledge to improve the quality of underwater life in Utrecht.”
The first 2026 “Fish Doorbell Report” was recently released, stating that the great migration has already kicked off.