Citizen Science Eel Research

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Citizen Science Eel Research The Hudson River Eel Project Fish conservation through citizen science Sarah Mount [email protected] March 11, 2020 Research in the Reserve Eels grow for many years in rivers and streams Migration story Glass eels arrive Adult silver eels in estuaries return to the Sargasso to spawn Larvae move north on Gulf Stream currents Sargasso Sea American eels (Anguilla rostrata) likely hatch here Albany Poestenkill Hannacroix Creek Glass Eel Sampling Sites Spring 2020 Saw Kill Black Creek Enderkill Fall Kill Hunters Brook Quassaick Creek Indian Brook Minisceongo Creek Furnace Brook Blind Brook Saw Mill/CURB Richmond Creek NYC 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 ASMFC protocols How to ensure high quality data from volunteers • Specialized gear • Straightforward protocols • Simple data sheets • Graphic guides • On-going training Total Eels Caught Per Year 300,000 250,000 238,376 200,000 150,000 141,770 144,986 103,193 100,000 85,297 87,905 49,758 48,583 50,000 9,089 10,975 2,388 7,628 0 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 We’ve caught and released over 900,000 glass eels since 2008! Eels and Barriers Albany Eels Caught at Saw Kill 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 Mouth (no barrier) Above waterfall Above dam NYC Downstream Upstream Eel ladders to get eels past dams (Jun-Oct) Albany “Eel-avators” to get eels past dams NYC Sparkill, Piermont Albany 400 Eels by Size at Saw Kill Ladder 350 <7.5 cm 300 7.5-15 cm 250 15-30 cm 200 >30 cm 150 100 50 0 NYC 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 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 Future Opportunities Students and volunteers can and DO collect valid data Citizen science can be vital to building our NEXT GENERATION of conservation leaders Opportunity for discrete student projects at various levels If you want to get involved in the eel project, get in touch with Sarah! Thank you! Questions? Sarah Mount [email protected].
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