More Fish Dying In The Hudson River

It appears that more Atlantic Menhaden (Bunker) are dying in the Hudson River, according to Riverkeeper. 

Earlier this year, Atlantic Menhaden were turning up dead along the banks of the Hudson River apparently due to the heat and lack of oxygen, however it is assumed that there is a different unknown cause for these deaths. While it the cause is unknown, it does appear that the fish are suffering from a lack of oxygen which can be due to warmer than normal water temperatures, water run off, and pollution. The DEC is currently investigating the cause and will provide more information when the investigation concludes.

Over the past few weeks, there have been reports of fish dead or dying along the Hudson River as far north as Peekskill and south through the east end of Long Island. Riverkeeper has been working with the NYS DEC on reporting the dead fish, which led the DEC to send a boat down to collect some of the struggling, almost dead fish. The DEC must collect fish that are still alive, as the fish rapidly decay and can mask the real reason of death. The investigation is pending with the DEC, however die-off events like this are not unusual and there are some natural reasons that these do happen but the cause is still unknown at this time.

DEC continues to monitor the event and requests additional reports and pictures be sent to [email protected]. Additional information will be provided once available.

To report potential spills or other environmental violations contact DEC at 1-844-DEC-ECOS (1-844-332-3267)

Last Updated on December 29, 2020 by Fish HV Contributors