1.8 million eels for Berlin's waters

The European eel population has declined significantly throughout Europe and in Berlin over the past 30 years.

Hundreds of thousands of young eels will be released into Berlin's waters again this year to preserve the eels.

The 1.8 million animals, a total of 541 kilograms of elvers, each weighing only about 0.3 grams, are widely distributed in the Oberhavel, Unterhavel, Spree and Dahme rivers, according to the Senate Department for the Environment. The juveniles are called glass eels because they are still translucent at this stage.

Eels have been released in Berlin for 20 years

The population of the European eel has declined significantly throughout Europe and in Berlin over the past 30 years. It is now threatened with extinction. Eels have been released into Berlin's waters for 20 years, with a total of around 17 million animals between 2005 and 2024. According to the Berlin Fisheries Office, this is intended to increase the return rate of mature eels and counteract the decline in the population. The animals were caught a few days ago in French estuaries leading to the Atlantic.

European eel is fish of the year 2025

A loss of habitat, obstacles to migration and the consequences of climate change are thought to be the causes of the sharp decline in the population. Today, numerous structures make it difficult for eels to migrate to and from their traditional habitats in German waters. The measure is financed by funds from the European Union, the state of Berlin and fishing rights holders - it cost 130,250 euros this year. The European eel is Fish of the Year 2025 and has an important ecological function. Among other things, it contributes to water pollution control and the reduction of alien crayfish species. According to the Berlin environmental administration, it is also one of the most economically important fish species in river and lake fisheries.