To help improve biodiversity and water quality in Amsterdam’s canals, het Scheepvaartmuseum and Waterschap Amstel, Gooi en Vecht partnered with ReefSystems to develop an innovative Fish Hotel Designed using a variety of materials and structures, the Fish Hotel creates diverse microhabitats throughout the water column. These habitats provide shelter, feeding grounds, and breeding opportunities for a wide range of aquatic species, helping to strengthen the ecological value of Amsterdam’s urban waterways. The project is the result of months of collaboration between engineers, ecologists, and designers, combining scientific knowledge with practical innovation to create a solution tailored to the unique conditions of the canals. Last week, the Fish Hotel was successfully installed and is now ready to welcome its first residents. Beyond creating new habitats, the Fish Hotel also aims to raise awareness of the rich ecosystem that exists beneath the water’s surface. By making urban waters more nature-inclusive, the project highlights the importance of creating spaces where biodiversity can thrive alongside city life. In the coming months, RAVON will monitor the Fish Hotel to discover which species check in and to evaluate its contribution to a healthier and more resilient urban ecosystem.

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