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The Hudson River Eel Project: Citizen science in good times and bad
Chris Bowser [email protected] Mount [email protected]
The next 15 minutes…
1. The W’s of the Hudson River Eel Project
2. Data Discoveries
3. People Progress
4. COVID-19 Response
Migration story
Sargasso SeaAmerican eels
(Anguilla rostrata) likely hatch here
Larvae move north on Gulf Stream currents
Glass eels arrive in estuaries
Eels grow for many years in rivers and streams
Adult silver eels return to the
Sargasso to spawn
New York
When and where are glass eels arriving?
• Each spring, nets are placed in the mouths of streams• Teams of trained volunteers catch, count, and release eels• Project follows Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission protocols
Eel Project Sites
Spring 2019
160 miles (257 km) of tidal estuary
Saltwater
Brackish
Freshwater
Albany
NYC
How to ensure high quality data from volunteers
• Specialized gear • Straightforward protocols• Simple data sheets• Graphic guides• On-going training
2,388 9,089 10,975 7,628
85,297103,193
49,758 48,583
141,770
87,905
144,986
238,376
0
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
250,000
300,000
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Total Eels Caught Per Year
We’ve caught and released over 1,000,000 glass eels since 2008!
2,388 9,089 10,975 7,628
85,297103,193
49,758 48,583
141,770
87,905
144,986
238,376
0
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
250,000
300,000
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Total Eels Caught Per Year
Millionth Eel Caught This
Year!!
Average eels caught per day (averaged across all sites in a given year)
What makes eels ideal for citizen science?• Charismatic subject• Real conservation need• Short migration season• Likely to see an eel• Diversity of habitats = diversity of audiences
Overarching Thoughts
Students and volunteers can and DO collect valid data
The entry expertise bar is LOW, but the skills and knowledge gained is HIGH
Citizen-science can be vital to building our NEXT GENERATION of conservation leaders.
How have we dealt with COVID-19 and this season?
• Currently no volunteers sampling
•A small number of nets being checked by DEC staff and partners with robust safety protocols
•A quick switch to remote teaching with classes
• Balancing updating volunteers and the public with concerns about safety and poaching
Eel Project Sites
Spring 2020
Saltwater
Brackish
Freshwater
Albany
NYC
No sampling
Full season
Partial season
How have we dealt with COVID-19 and this season?• Large numbers this year = Weight extrapolations (new method for us!)
This eel is your eelThis eel is our eelFrom the Sargasso to the Hudson RiverFrom the Catskill forestto the New York Ha-ar-borThese eels depend on you and me
How to continue to keep volunteers engagedProject ownership
How to continue to keep volunteers engagedProject expansion
Want to join us?
