A forest for fish? That sounds like a strange contradiction. Yet, more and more “fish forests” are appearing in the Netherlands. A fish forest is an artificial shelter of branches and wood in the water, specifically created to protect young and small fish. Alderman Robert Barker (The Hague), together with Stijn van Boxmeer, water board member of the Delfland Water Board, opened the new fish forest in the Madestein nature reserve in The Hague.
Fish forests are used in ponds, ditches, and pools to improve fish stocks and provide protection against natural predators such as cormorants. A fish forest usually consists of prunings or willow branches stacked in the water, or a frame or poles (e.g., chestnut poles or a steel cage) to secure the wood. Fish forests contribute to a healthier ecosystem.
Under water
The new fish forest is one of the measures the municipality of The Hague is taking in collaboration with the Delfland Water Board to stimulate underwater nature and improve biological water quality. They are doing this by jointly developing various Wet Ecological Zones in the form of nature-friendly banks, floating greenery, and fish forests. Alderman Robert Barker (Green Party) is pleased with the new fish forest: “As a municipality, we do everything we can to literally give animals, and in this case fish, space, as shown here with this beautiful fish forest. It’s a way to boost our water quality by contributing to a better ecosystem. I’m pleased with the collaboration with the Delfland Water Board.” Stijn Boxmeer, water board member, adds: “I’m proud that we’ve created this fish forest together. As a water board, we’re exploring other opportunities elsewhere in The Hague where we can collaborate to create fish forests and floating green islands. This is part of the joint approach outlined in the ‘State of Our Water,’ our story in which the municipality and water board outlined the bottlenecks and challenges for cleaner, healthier, and more vibrant water in The Hague.”
Working together on clean and living water in The Hague
Since the end of 2025, the joint approach “State of Our Water” has been the foundation for the municipalities of The Hague and Delfland for plans and measures to create a climate-resilient city with a focus on water. The goal: cleaner, healthier, and more vibrant water in The Hague’s ditches, canals, and ponds. This involves more than just projects already underway. Measures will also be implemented to ensure less polluted sewage enters surface water. This is important for aquatic plants and animals, which thrive in cleaner water. With this approach, both parties contribute to the objectives of the European Water Framework Directive (WFD) and to a livable, attractive, and future-proof city.
Photo: Henriette Guest
Text: Gemeente Den Haag
Translation to English: The Hague Online