The County Executive’s Corner: Help the American Eel

As County Executive, I am always proud to highlight the incredible ways our residents step up to protect and preserve the natural resources that make Rockland County such a special place to live. This spring, I am especially excited to share the return of an important environmental initiative by the name of the American Eel Research Project. 

In partnership with the Rockland County Soil & Water Conservation District and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, this project supports one of the most fascinating and resilient species found in our local waterways: the American eel.

Each year, juvenile eels known as “glass eels” complete an extraordinary journey from the Sargasso Sea, traveling thousands of miles to reach freshwater habitats like the Hudson River and its tributaries. When they arrive, however, their journey is far from over. Man-made barriers such as dams and culverts can prevent them from continuing upstream, threatening their survival and long-term population health.

That’s where our community comes in.

Volunteers play a critical role by carefully collecting the eels, counting and weighing them, and then safely transporting them upstream—helping them bypass obstacles they could not overcome on their own.

Just as importantly, volunteers collect data that is shared with state scientists, contributing to ongoing research about the species. The American eel is considered a key indicator of ecosystem health. Because it migrates between saltwater and freshwater environments—a rare lifecycle known as catadromous—it offers valuable insight into the condition of both habitats.

Unfortunately, eel populations have declined over time due to factors such as pollution, climate change, and habitat loss. The data collected right here in Rockland County helps scientists better understand these challenges and work toward solutions that support not only the eel, but the overall health of our waterways.

At the end of the season, volunteers are invited to a special “Eelebration” event, where data from across the Hudson River Estuary is shared and compared. 

While eel populations have not yet returned to historic levels, I believe that with continued community involvement, we can make a meaningful difference. 

The initiative runs through mid-May and I encourage residents of all ages to consider volunteering to connect with nature and support an important cause.

Together, we can ensure that this remarkable species continues its journey for generations to come—and give it, quite literally, an “eel good” chance at survival.

Email swcd@co.rockland.ny.us for details, dates and sign-up info!