13th Annual Great Hudson River Estuary Fish Count Announced by DEC

By Max Oppen

ALBANY — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced that the 13th annual Great Hudson River Estuary Fish Count will occur on Saturday, August 10, 2024. The event will span multiple sites along the Hudson River's banks and piers, offering an exciting opportunity for families and visitors to explore the river's diverse aquatic life.

Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar highlighted the significance of the event, stating, "The Hudson River Estuary is an amazing and critical habitat for many fish species, and this annual event provides a great opportunity for New York families and visitors to get outside and see first-hand how unique the river is to the life cycle of so many fish." He encouraged participation from New York Harbor to Cohoes, emphasizing the educational aspect and DEC's conservation efforts to protect and restore the Hudson River.

Participants from the Capital Region to New York City are invited to discover the variety of creatures usually hidden below the river's surface. The Hudson River Estuary and its watershed, which range from freshwater in the north to salty waters in New York City, are home to over 200 fish species. Several species migrate from the Atlantic Ocean each spring to spawn.

The Fish Count involves collecting fish using various methods such as seine nets, minnow traps, or rods and reels. Seining, which consists of pulling a 30-foot net through the water to catch fish, crabs, and other river life, allows participants to observe these creatures up close before they are released back into the river.

To enhance the community experience, participating groups are encouraged to share their catch results on DEC's social media platforms using the hashtag #hudsonriverfishcount. This collective effort helps build an understanding of the river's biodiversity and the health of its estuarine ecosystem.

The event, which is free and family-friendly, aligns with Governor Kathy Hochul's "Get Offline, Get Outside" initiative. Launched last month, the initiative promotes physical and mental health by encouraging New Yorkers to engage in outdoor activities and reduce screen time.

The Great Hudson River Estuary Fish Count is sponsored by DEC's Hudson River Estuary Program and Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve in collaboration with other environmental organizations.

Participating Sites and Schedule:

Albany:

Peebles Island State Park, Cohoes: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

DEC Region 4 Fisheries

Note: Display under the Second Street bridge by the river.

Brooklyn:

Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 4 Beach: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy

Dutchess:

Norrie Point Environmental Center, Staatsburg: 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

DEC Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve and Hudson River Estuary Program

Putnam:

Little Stony Point Beach in Hudson Highlands State Park, Cold Spring: 10 a.m.

DEC Hudson River Estuary Program

Note: Meet on the beach.

Rensselaer:

Schodack Island State Park, Schodack Landing: 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.

River Haggie Outdoors/Rensselaer Plateau Alliance

Note: Pre-register at Schodack Island Fish Count.

Rockland:

Piermont Pier, Hudson River Field Station, Piermont: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University

Westchester:

Center for the Urban River at Beczak, 35 Alexander Street, Yonkers: 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Center for the Urban River at Beczak

Croton Point Park, Mother's Lap Beach, Croton-on-Hudson: 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Westchester County Parks, Recreation & Conservation

For further information, visit the Great Hudson River Estuary Fish Count webpage. Additionally, you can watch a video about seining in the Hudson River on DEC's YouTube Channel. You can also contact Lori Severino at 518-402-8000 or PressOffice@dec.ny.gov.