Overview

• 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.