Watch "Connected: The Hudson River Estuary"; Free Fishing Weekend June 27 - 28

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent this bulletin on 06/23/2020 10:02 AM EDT
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
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Hudson RiverNet
News from the Hudson River Estuary Program

Connected: The Hudson River Estuary

Hudson RiverThe Hudson River estuary is among the most productive of Earth's ecosystems. Key commercial and recreational species like striped bass, bluefish, and blue crab depend on nursery habitat here. Bald eagles, herons, waterfowl, and other birds feed from the river's bounty. Globally rare freshwater tidal marshes, mudflats, and other significant habitats in and along the estuary support a great diversity of life.

Much of DEC's work on the estuary is coordinated by the Hudson River Estuary Program, established in 1987 to protect these estuarine species throughout their life-cycle and to enhance and restore the state’s natural resources upon which these species and their habitat depend.

Find out about the web of life in the tidal Hudson and the interconnected initiatives of DEC’s Hudson River Estuary Program. Watch Connected: The Hudson River Estuary Program on DEC's YouTube channel.

Explore Local Fishing: Free Fishing Weekend June 27 - 28

A dad and his young daughter who is holding a fishing rod smile at the camera as they sit by the Hudson River.DEC has announced a Free Fishing Weekend for June 27 - 28. DEC encourages all anglers, new and experienced, to recreate locally and seek out fishing opportunities close to home. DEC's Places to Fish webpages are a reliable source for those ready to plan their next fishing trip.

During designated free fishing days, New York residents and non-residents are permitted to fish for free without a fishing license. Although the requirement for a fishing license is waived during free fishing days, all other fishing regulations remain in effect.

DEC reminds anglers to maintain safe social distancing while fishing this year to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Read the social distance guidelines to protect yourself and others (PDF). Anglers fishing from boats should be able to maintain at least six feet of distance between one another. For more information on boating guidelines and safety, go to State Parks website and DEC's website. Learn more about responsible recreation at #Recreate Local.