Scientists, Volunteers Count Tiny Glass Eels In Hudson River

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Baby eels are swimming up the Hudson River and teams of scientists, students and community volunteers are counting them as part of a long-term research program.

The Hudson River Eel Project is coordinated by the state Department of Environmental Conservation and partner agencies. Every spring, the tiny, transparent fish known as "glass eels" swim into North American estuaries along the Atlantic coast after hatching in the Sargasso Sea.

The migratory American eel is in decline over much of its range and baseline studies like the Hudson River project help in making management decisions. The springtime work involves catching glass eels in nets and traps, counting and weighing them, and releasing them.

DEC is looking for more volunteers. Information is posted on DEC's American Eel Research website.