Overview

• 1.8 million juvenile eels, weighing a total of 541 kilograms, were released into Berlin's waterways, including the Oberhavel, Unterhavel, Spree, and Dahme rivers.
• The European eel population has declined sharply over the past 30 years, leading to its classification as critically endangered.
• Since 2005, Berlin has released approximately 17 million eels as part of a 20-year conservation effort to support population recovery.
• The program, costing €130,250 this year, is funded by the EU, the state of Berlin, and fishing rights holders.
• The European eel, named 'Fish of the Year 2025,' plays a vital role in water purification and controlling invasive species like crayfish.