Berlin Releases 1.8 Million Juvenile Eels to Bolster Critically Endangered Population

The long-term conservation program aims to restore the European eel population, addressing threats from habitat loss, migration barriers, and climate change.

• 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.

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