The Hudson River Estuary Program fisheries staff made an incredible catch last week, reeling in a giant Atlantic sturgeon from the waters of the Hudson River in New York. According to a Facebook post from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), the sturgeon measured six feet in length and weighed approximately 220 pounds. The massive fish was caught near Hyde Park, located about 80 miles from New York City.
Before releasing the sturgeon back into the wild, the staff took various measurements and samples. They measured the fish, tagged it for tracking purposes, collected a piece of its fin for genetic analysis, and weighed it. Photos shared by the NYS DEC showed the sturgeon being held by four personnel, demonstrating just how large the fish was. Nets were used to capture the sturgeon, which was suspected to be a female that had not yet spawned.
Atlantic sturgeons are the largest fish species found in the Hudson River and are also the largest sturgeon species in New York State. Amanda Higgs, a fisheries biologist with Hudson and Delaware Marine Fisheries and the Hudson River Estuary Management Program, shared that a population assessment conducted in 2014 estimated that there were approximately 450 individual sturgeons in the Hudson River at that time. Another assessment is currently underway, with preliminary data indicating positive trends in the sturgeon population.
Atlantic sturgeons typically spend most of the year in the ocean, but during certain times they migrate to the Hudson River to spawn. The sturgeon caught by the fisheries staff was captured under a National Marine Fisheries Service endangered species research permit. These remarkable fish can weigh up to 800 pounds and grow up to 14 feet in length. They possess five rows of bony plates along their bodies and have tails similar to sharks, with one side being larger than the other.
Higgs mentioned that the fisheries staff have caught sturgeons in the past weighing between 250 and 300 pounds, showing just how impressive these creatures can be. The annual mission to track Atlantic sturgeon populations began in 2006 and takes place over several weeks in May and June. This effort helps to monitor trends in the sturgeon population and inform conservation strategies.
The Hudson River Estuary Program plays a crucial role in conserving and restoring the Hudson River and its surrounding areas. The program focuses on the tidal Hudson and adjacent watershed, spanning from the federal dam at Troy to the Verrazzano Narrows in New York City, including the upper New York-New Jersey harbor. Working with various groups, the program aims to educate and empower people to become stewards of the estuary, using a deep understanding of the river’s ecology to guide their efforts.
For more Lifestyle articles, readers can visit the Fox News website at www.foxnews.com/lifestyle. The Hudson River Estuary Program is committed to promoting the conservation, restoration, and enjoyment of the Hudson River and its valley, ensuring that this vital ecosystem remains healthy and vibrant for generations to come.
In conclusion, the recent capture of a massive Atlantic sturgeon in the Hudson River highlights the importance of preserving and protecting this unique ecosystem. The work of the Hudson River Estuary Program and fisheries staff is critical in monitoring and safeguarding the sturgeon population, ensuring that these magnificent fish continue to thrive in their natural habitat.
