How a Fish Doorbell in the Netherlands is Saving Migrating Fish
The Online Fish Doorbell That's Making a Splash
There's an online fish doorbell in the Netherlands that helps fish migrate upstream. This clever tool is changing the game for fish that need to travel through canal dams.
How the Fish Doorbell Works
The system features a livestream camera at a gate in a canal dam. This gate is normally closed all the way. During spring, many fish swim upstream through this dam to lay their eggs.
In the past, dam lock keepers would open the gate only now and then. This meant fish had to wait a long time at the dam. Smart predators learned about this and would hang around, waiting for crowds of fish to form.
Now, people can press the online doorbell when they see fish on the livestream. This alerts the dam lock keeper that fish are waiting. The gate opens faster, and the fish can escape the waiting predators.
Features of the Fish Doorbell Website
The website offers more than just the doorbell button. Visitors can use a spotter's guide to learn which kinds of fish they're seeing. There are also helpful tips for spotting the most fish.
The system is smart enough to ignore people who click too many times. It waits until most viewers have pressed the doorbell before sending an alert to the lock keeper.
Best Time to Ring the Fish Doorbell
Migration season is just starting to pick up now. This makes it the perfect time to try out the fish doorbell. By pressing the button when you spot fish, you're helping these creatures complete their natural journey upstream.
This simple but effective tool shows how technology can help wildlife in creative ways. The fish doorbell connects people from around the world to a small canal in the Netherlands, all working together to help fish reach their spawning grounds safely.