Saving Eels with sustainable Pumps: A Fish-Friendly Redesign of Axial-Flow Pumps

Van Hooste bv has developed a fish-friendly pump, an improved version of the widely used axial-flow pump. These pumps are essential in many pumping stations, where they help manage water flow from rivers to the sea and reduce the risk of flooding. However, conventional pump designs pose a serious threat for aquatic life.
Traditional axial-flow pumps have a fish mortality rate of up to 97%. This is especially problematic for migratory species such as the European eel (Anguilla anguilla), which travels from inland waters to the Sargasso Sea to reproduce. Pumping stations form physical barriers that block this migration route, contributing to a sharp decline in eel populations. Moreover, this species cannot be bred in captivity, making natural migration essential for survival.
To address this problem, we have developed a pump that allows both water and fish to pass through safely. Independent academic research (conducted by INBO) with eels have shown a survival rate of over 99%, a significant improvement compared to traditional systems.
This technology helps us to manage water while protecting our biodiversity, ensuring our waterways and corresponding infrastructure are ready for the future.