Virtual Fish Doorbell Returns for 2024 Season

A unique online tool is making a splash in the Netherlands again this year. The virtual fish doorbell has gone live for the 2024 season, allowing people worldwide to help fish migrate upstream.

How the Fish Doorbell Works

The system features a live stream camera at a canal dam gate that is normally closed. During spring, many fish swim to this dam as they travel upstream to lay their eggs.

In the past, dam lock keepers would open the gate only now and then. This meant fish often waited in large groups at the dam for long periods. Predators learned this pattern and began hanging around to feast on the gathered fish.

Now, anyone watching the live stream can press a virtual doorbell when they spot fish waiting at the gate. Since fish don't have hands to ring doorbells themselves, humans can help from anywhere with internet access.

Protecting Fish from Predators

When enough viewers press the doorbell, it sends an alert to the lock keeper. They can then open the gate quickly, allowing the fish to continue their journey and escape hungry predators.

The system is smartly designed to ignore spam clicks. It only notifies the lock keeper when a majority of current viewers have clicked the doorbell, ensuring that alerts are legitimate.

New Features for Fish Fans

The website includes helpful resources for viewers. A spotter's guide helps identify different fish species swimming by the camera.

Exciting additions for 2024 include a live chat feature where viewers can connect with fellow fish enthusiasts. The operators have also introduced a weekly fish forecast that highlights the best times to watch for fish activity in the coming days.

This simple but effective system shows how technology can help wildlife in creative ways. By spending a few minutes watching the live stream and clicking when fish appear, people around the world can directly help these creatures complete their important migration journey.