The Netherlands: why the ringing of fish bells captivates more than a million Internet users

“Fish Bell” (“visdeurbel” in Dutch) is a program that is a hit in the land of tulips. Since March 1, a live broadcast of the life of a simple fish has attracted more than a million people, The New York Times reported this Thursday, March 28.

This stream continuously broadcasts images from a camera placed in a river in the Netherlands as part of a city project to facilitate fish migration. However, Internet users are not just mere spectators: they can actually influence the fate of small creatures.

“The most fashionable sex club in Utrecht”

So, as soon as a fish passes, Aliza Haskal rushes to press the only button on the web, the “fish bell”. This allows staff in the Dutch city of Utrecht to be alerted to open the dam, allowing the creature to head for other waters and new encounters.

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“It’s the most fashionable sex club in Utrecht, accessible via a fish bell”, jokes Aliza Haskal for the American media. This 24-year-old student considers herself one of a kind “Benevolent Water Bouncer”.

The unexpected success of the site even goes beyond the borders of the country. In its first four years, the program brought together viewers from all corners of the world eager to help Dutch fish reach warmer waters. In addition, Internet users get nothing for their participation other than the satisfaction of helping a perch, eel or pike.

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To save the fish from predators

In 2020, 37-year-old environmentalist Mark van Heukelum got the idea for the project while walking around Utrecht, where he noticed a group of fish that had gathered in front of the lock, making them easy prey for predators.

With the help of Anne Nijs, the city’s ecologist, he decided to install an underwater camera to monitor the fish’s movements. With each click of the bell button, a photo is taken, and when a critical amount of fish has accumulated, city staff are alerted to open the lock.

Four years later, an incredulous Mark van Heukelum said he was shocked by how many people were obsessed with the Utrecht fish.