We Can’t Look Away from “The Fish Doorbell”

What if I told you that the humble city of Utrecht in the Netherlands has a doorbell… for fish? Yep, you read that right. It’s not just cute, it’s genius. Every spring, thousands of fish make their way through the Oudegracht canal, eager to reach upstream to lay their eggs. But there’s one huge obstacle in their way the Weerdsluis lock. It’s often closed, and without a helping hand (or fin?), these fish are stuck.

Here’s where you (and your curious kids) come in. A quirky and totally awesome system called the Fish Doorbell lets you help these underwater travellers complete their epic migration. Pressing the doorbell alerts the lock operator to open the gates, giving the fish the green light to continue their journey. Cool, huh?

What Is the Fish Doorbell, Exactly?

Okay, so here’s how it works. The Weerdsluis lock has a webcam set up underwater. When curious fish-loving humans spot a fish on the live stream, they can press a virtual “doorbell” online. This sends a signal to the lock operator, who then decides if it’s time to open the lock and help the fish swim through. It’s simple, it’s interactive, and it’s a fantastic way to combine technology and nature.

The livestream is easy to access (yep, it works from your phone, too!), which means you and your kids can watch the fish anytime and from anywhere. It’s like having an aquarium at your fingertips but with action, adventure, and real-world purpose.

Why Should You Get the Kids on Board?

Imagine your kids glued to a screen… but instead of playing video games, they’re scanning an underwater camera, looking for fish to help. The Fish Doorbell takes “screen time” to a whole new level. It’s educational, engaging, and totally fun. You can thank us later.