A Successful Recovery

"For the first time in U.S., and probably global, history a fish identified as endangered has been shown to have recovered -- and in the Hudson River, which flows through one of the world's largest population centers, New York City" (full article). The species referenced in the quote, the shortnose sturgeon, is still listed as an endangered species, but its population in the Hudson has increased dramatically over recent years. The sturgeon's recovery is a testament to our abilities to fix at least some of the damage we have done - and we've done a lot of damage to the Hudson.

The sturgeon is a fascinating, prehistoric-looking creature. Like many fish in the Hudson, such as striped bass and American eels, shortnose sturgeon live in both fresh and salt water. For more information on shortnose sturgeon (and some pretty cool pictures) check out these sites:

NYS Department of Environmental Conversation

UMass