Volunteers Sought To Count Tiny Glass Eels In Hudson River

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Teams of scientists, students and community volunteers are counting baby eels in the Hudson River 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. The tiny, transparent fish known as "glass eels" swim into North American estuaries along the Atlantic coast each spring after hatching in the Sargasso Sea.

The migratory American eel is in decline over much of its range. Studies like the Hudson River project help in making management decisions. The work involves catching glass eels in nets and traps, counting and weighing them, and releasing them. Field work goes on through May.

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