Berlin Releases 1.8 Million Juvenile European Eels to Combat Population Decline

The 20-year restocking program aims to restore the critically endangered species' population and ecological role in local waterways.

The European eel population has declined dramatically over the past 30 years due to habitat loss, migration barriers, and climate change, leading to its classification as critically endangered.
In 2025, Berlin released 1.8 million juvenile eels, sourced from French estuaries, into waterways including the Oberhavel, Unterhavel, Spree, and Dahme.
Since 2005, Berlin's restocking program has introduced approximately 17 million eels to its waterways, supported by funding from the EU, Berlin, and fishing rights holders.
The program, costing €130,250 in 2025, seeks to address migration challenges and support the species' critical ecological functions, such as water purification and controlling invasive species.
The European eel was named 'Fish of the Year 2025' to highlight its ecological and economic importance, particularly in inland fisheries.