12th Annual Great Hudson River Estuary Fish Count: Dive into the River’s Hidden World

New York State’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner, Basil Seggos, has announced the much-awaited 12th Annual Great Hudson River Estuary Fish Count, scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 5. This exciting event invites New Yorkers and visitors alike to explore the diverse aquatic life inhabiting the Hudson River Estuary and its watershed. With sites spanning from New York Harbor to Cohoes, the fish count offers numerous opportunities for people of all ages to get involved.

“The annual fish count event provides a great opportunity for New Yorkers and visitors to get outdoors—or go online—and learn about the many fish species that live and thrive in the Hudson River,” Commissioner Seggos said. “With sites from New York Harbor to Cohoes, there are many places for young and old alike to participate in this year’s event.”

The Hudson River Estuary and its surrounding areas are home to more than 200 fish species, including those that migrate from the Atlantic Ocean each spring to spawn. The diversity of aquatic life makes the fish count a fascinating and educational experience. Participating organizations offer in-person opportunities at nine different sites for attendees to join the fish count festivities. Additionally, the DEC will live stream the fish count from Lemon Creek on Staten Island, allowing virtual participation for those unable to attend in person. The live stream can be viewed on DEC’s Facebook Live at 5 p.m. on August 5.

During the fish count, visitors are encouraged to help collect fish using various methods, such as seine nets, minnow traps, or rods and reels. Seining, a popular method, involves pulling a 30-foot net through the water to capture fish, crabs, and other river creatures. Participants can either observe from the shore or get hands-on by donning waterproof waders and assisting in pulling in the net. All fish are released back into the river after everyone has had a chance to admire and learn about them up close.

To foster community involvement and knowledge sharing, participating groups are encouraged to share their catch results on the @NYSDEC Twitter feed with the hashtag #hudsonriverfishcount. By comparing notes, participants contribute to a better understanding of the river’s diverse ecosystems, the influence of salinity and tides, and the vitality of the estuarine environment in both urban and rural settings.

The event is family-friendly, free of charge, and open to all. DEC’s Hudson River Estuary Program and Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve organize the event in partnership with other environmental organizations.

Here are the sites and participating organizations where the fish count will take place from south to north:

Staten Island

• Lemon Creek Park: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
• NYSDEC Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve/Hudson River Estuary Program

Brooklyn

• Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 4 Beach: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy (Note: On-shore activities such as fish identification; no access to water)

Westchester

• Habirshaw Park, Yonkers: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
• Center for the Urban River at Beczak

Rockland

• Piermont Pier, Piermont: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University

Putnam

• Little Stony Point, Cold Spring: 9:00 AM
• DEC Hudson River Estuary Program (Note: Meet on the beach)

Dutchess

• Norrie Point Environmental Center, Staatsburg: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• NYSDEC Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve/Hudson River Estuary Program

Ulster

• Kingston Point Park, Kingston: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• NYSDEC Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve/Hudson River Estuary Program

Rensselaer

• Schodack Island State Park, Schodack Landing: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
• River Haggie Outdoors/Rensselaer Land Trust

Albany

• Peebles Island State Park, Cohoes: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• DEC Region 4 Fisheries (Note: Display under the Second Street bridge by the river; live fish on display, no guided active fishing)

For more information and to learn about seining in the Hudson River, visit the Great Hudson River Estuary Fish Count webpage on DEC’s website and check out the clip on DEC’s YouTube Channel.

Mark your calendars for this unique opportunity to uncover the wonders of the Hudson River’s underwater world. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just curious about the aquatic life that thrives beneath the surface, the Great Hudson River Estuary Fish Count promises an eye-opening and unforgettable experience for everyone. Don’t miss out on this celebration of nature and conservation in one of New York’s most iconic waterways!

Last Updated on July 31, 2023 by Fish HV Contributors