More on the Hudson River Eel Project
The Hudson River Eel Project is a community science project that has involved over 1,000 participants since it was launched by The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) in 2008.
The American eel (Anguilla rostrata) is a migratory fish that is born in the Atlantic Ocean and enters North American estuaries, including the Hudson River, as tiny, see-through “glass eels” each spring. Historically, there have been insufficient data on American eel populations, which is where programs like the Eel Project can come in to fill the gaps.
Each spring, teams of scientists, students, and volunteers collect glass eels using specialized nets and traps on Hudson River streams. The juvenile fish are then counted and released while other environmental data is recorded. At the end of each season, data are compiled and sent to management agencies like the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. In addition to providing valuable population information, the program engages students from many backgrounds in the natural sciences and stewardship, which can have lasting impacts on their career trajectories.
Additional Resources
Visit the Curriculum page for lessons on the American eel, and other topics related to the Hudson River Watershed. Explore the most recent Eel Project data here. Check out the Eel Project page or contact eelproject@nulldec.ny.gov for more information on how to get involved.
Eel project volunteers were previously highlighted in an article by NOAA in celebration of 2024’s Citizen Science Month.
