1.8 Million Juvenile European Eels Released in Berlin's Waterways

The critically endangered European eel, named 'Fish of the Year 2025,' benefits from a 20-year conservation program funded by the EU, Berlin, and fishing rights holders.

• The latest release of 1.8 million juvenile eels, or glass eels, in March 2025 continues Berlin's 20-year effort to restore the European eel population.
• Approximately 17 million eels were introduced into Berlin's waterways between 2005 and 2024 as part of this conservation initiative.
• Eel populations have sharply declined over the past 30 years due to habitat loss, migration barriers, and climate change, leading to their classification as critically endangered.
• The program, costing €130,250 in 2025, is jointly funded by the European Union, Berlin, and fishing rights holders, and aims to improve the return rate of spawning eels.
• The European eel plays a vital ecological role, contributing to water purification and controlling invasive crayfish species, while also being economically significant for river and lake fisheries.

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