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Citizen Science: American Eel Research

Students and community partners research migratory fish


These nearly transparent glass eels
were born in the Atlantic's
Sargasso Sea

The American eel (Anguilla rostrata) is a migratory fish that is born in the Atlantic Ocean and enters North American tributaries as tiny "glass eels". The species is in decline over much of its range, and baseline studies of migrations are crucial for management.

Teams of scientists, students, and community volunteers collect glass eels using net and trap devices on several Hudson River tributaries each spring. The juvenile fish are counted, weighed, and released alive, and other environmental data is recorded. At several sites, herring surveys are also conducted.

The project involves students and teachers directly with scientific design and field methods. Students experience their local ecosystem firsthand, and collect important information about migrating fish and environmental conditions over an entire season. An overview of the project is available on our Juvenile Eel video on DEC TV. A written overview and 2008 results are also available in the 2008 Hudson River American Eel Research Project Overview (pdf, 1 MB)

Education partners include:


Poughkeepsie High School students collect
glass eels on the Fall Kill
  • The Dutchess BOCES Academy of Environmental Studies at the Indian Kill
  • Poughkeepsie High School, The Mid-Hudson Children's Museum, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Marist College, and Clearwater at the Fall Kill
  • Roy C. Ketcham High School and the Randolph School periodically assist a scientist at Hunters Brook
  • Ossining High School at Furnace Brook
  • New York Audubon will host a new site in 2009 at the Indian Brook at Constitution Marsh
  • Bard College operates a related study at the Saw Kill
  • Keep Rockland Beautiful volunteers at Minisceongo Creek

For more information, please contact Chris Bowser, chbowser@gw.dec.state.ny.us, (845) 889-4745 x104.

2009 Press Release

SPRING 2010: INTERNS AND VOLUNTEERS WANTED

RESEARCHING MIGRATORY FISH IN LOCAL RIVERS

Sponsored by: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Hudson River Estuary Program and Research Reserve.


Background: The American eel (Anguilla rostrata) is a migratory fish that is born in the Atlantic Ocean and enters North American tributaries as tiny "glass eels" each spring. The species is in decline over much of its range, and baseline studies are needed for further management. Teams of scientists and students collect glass eels using net and trap devices on several Hudson River tributaries. The juvenile fish are counted, weighed, and released alive, and other environmental data is recorded. Project Description: students and volunteers are requested to assist in all levels of the Spring 2010 study on the Fall Kill (Poughkeepsie), Crum Elbow Creek (Hyde Park), Indian Kill (Staatsburg), and Hunter's Brook (Wappingers Falls). This can involve study design and regular field work from March through May. Equipment and training provided.

You should be willing to: become involved in outdoor field work under various conditions; work collaboratively within a team of students and volunteers; transport themselves to a study site one or more days per week, including weekends if preferable. Internships for academic credit can be arranged, with hours concentrated between March and May.


Contact: Chris Bowser, chbowser@gw.dec.state.ny.us, 845-889-4745 x104.

Mr. Bowser is the science educator for the NYSDEC Hudson River Estuary Program and National Estuarine Research Reserve.