Overview

• 1.8 million juvenile eels, weighing a total of 541 kilograms, were introduced into Berlin's waterways in 2025, continuing a 20-year conservation effort.
• The European eel population has declined significantly over the past 30 years due to habitat loss, migration barriers, and climate change.
• Since 2005, approximately 17 million juvenile eels have been released into Berlin's rivers and lakes to support their recovery.
• The conservation initiative is funded by the EU, Berlin, and fishing rights holders, with the 2025 program costing €130,250.
• The European eel has been named 'Fish of the Year 2025' to highlight its ecological role in water purification and controlling invasive species.