Dutch 'Fish Doorbell' Turns Into Unlikely Online Hit Combining Slow TV, Ecology

Undated photo of a  perch fish at a river lock in the central Dutch city of Utrecht, Netherlands, where a "fish doorbell" was installed that lets viewers of an online livestream alert authorities to fish being held up as they make their springtime migration to shallow spawning grounds. (Visdeurbel via AP)
Undated photo of a perch fish at a river lock in the central Dutch city of Utrecht, Netherlands, where a "fish doorbell" was installed that lets viewers of an online livestream alert authorities to fish being held up as they make their springtime migration to shallow spawning grounds. (Visdeurbel via AP)
TT

Dutch 'Fish Doorbell' Turns Into Unlikely Online Hit Combining Slow TV, Ecology

Undated photo of a  perch fish at a river lock in the central Dutch city of Utrecht, Netherlands, where a "fish doorbell" was installed that lets viewers of an online livestream alert authorities to fish being held up as they make their springtime migration to shallow spawning grounds. (Visdeurbel via AP)
Undated photo of a perch fish at a river lock in the central Dutch city of Utrecht, Netherlands, where a "fish doorbell" was installed that lets viewers of an online livestream alert authorities to fish being held up as they make their springtime migration to shallow spawning grounds. (Visdeurbel via AP)

The central Dutch city of Utrecht has installed a “fish doorbell” on a river lock that lets viewers of an online livestream alert authorities to fish being held up as they make their springtime migration to shallow spawning grounds.
The idea is simple: An underwater camera at Utrecht's Weerdsluis lock sends live footage to a website. When somebody watching the site sees a fish, they can click a button that sends a screenshot to organizers. When they see enough fish, they alert a water worker who opens the lock to let the fish swim through, The Associated Press reported.
Now in its fifth year, the site has attracted millions of viewers from around the world with its quirky mix of slow TV and ecological activism.
Much of the time, the screen is just a murky green with occasional bubbles, but sometimes a fish swims past. As the water warms up, more fish show up.
Without the help, native freshwater fish like bream, pike and bass can become backed up behind the lock and form easy prey for predators in the spring, when the lock is rarely opened for passing boats.
The bell is the brainchild of ecologist and concept developer Mark van Heukelum. He's been happily surprised at the response, with millions of people from around the world tuning in over the years.
“I guess the combination of a good cause, a beautiful story and just a simple idea generates all this attention," he said.
Anna Nijs, an ecologist with Utrecht municipality, was also amazed at the popularity of the concept around the world.
“We get a lot of fan mail from people who think it’s slow TV and they find it relaxing," said Nijs. Besides, “they appreciate that they can actually do something to help.”



Elevator at Obelisk Offers Breathtaking View of Buenos Aires

Aerial view showing a man looking down from the Obelisk observation deck in Buenos Aires on May 8, 2025. (Photo by LUIS ROBAYO / AFP)
Aerial view showing a man looking down from the Obelisk observation deck in Buenos Aires on May 8, 2025. (Photo by LUIS ROBAYO / AFP)
TT

Elevator at Obelisk Offers Breathtaking View of Buenos Aires

Aerial view showing a man looking down from the Obelisk observation deck in Buenos Aires on May 8, 2025. (Photo by LUIS ROBAYO / AFP)
Aerial view showing a man looking down from the Obelisk observation deck in Buenos Aires on May 8, 2025. (Photo by LUIS ROBAYO / AFP)

The famous Obelisk in Buenos Aires Obelisk now offers a breathtaking new perspective. With the addition of an elevator, visitors can ascend this iconic monument to have panoramic views of the vibrant city below.

Quoting Architect Juan Vacas, AFP said the 67.5-meter-tall Obelisk was erected in 1936, and stands at the intersection of Corrientes Street, renowned for its dynamic theater scene, and Avenida 9 de Julio, which according to tourist guides is the widest avenue in the world.

Vacas describes the monument as “the heart of Buenos Aires.”

The Obelisk witnessed pivotal events in Argentina’s history, including Raul Alfonsin's historic 1983 presidential campaign and a tribute for football legend Diego Maradona in 2020.

Recently, the Obelisk was illuminated with the image of late Pope Francis.

During the 2022 World Cup, millions gathered around the city’s Obelisk where pictures of the players were projected. Some fans broke its doors and climbed to the top through service stairs.

The elevator rises the equivalent of twenty floors in just 55 seconds, although visitors must still climb 35 steps to reach the viewing platform, from where visitors can see Rio de la Plata.

This tourism project, completed recently, was “a major challenge for architects” as all materials had to be brought in through a narrow door.

“The entire system was prefabricated, meticulously assembled and reassembled within the Obelisk's narrow space,” noted Vacas.

Currently in a trial phase, the elevator has attracted 25,000 eager people for early access, the municipality said in a statement on its Instagram account.