Today-for the very first time-water was released into NYC’s first fish ladder which just so happens to be on the Bronx River! Over the past year, improvements to the 182nd Street dam on the Bronx River have been taking place, in preparation for construction of the fish ladder. This is the first in a series of three fish passages being constructed to enable migratory fish, such as alewives and blue back herring, to spawn in the freshwater upstream.
Robin Kriesberg, Ecology Director at the Bronx River Alliance stated, "The release was a complete success. We are pleased to report that the passage will be ready for next spring’s migration. After working towards the project for such a long time, it’s great to see this finally happen!"
Get ready to celebrate the 2015 spring fish migration with us – alewife herring will be able to return to their freshwater spawning grounds on the Bronx River for the first time in hundreds of years. The Bronx River Alliance is committed to the continued renewal of the Bronx River and the surrounding area’s ecosystem. For further information about the 182nd Street dam fish passage contact Robin Kriesberg, Ecology Director at the Bronx River Alliance.
Once found in throughout the Northeast, alewife and blueback herring played an important role in the regional ecology as a source of food for mammals, birds, and larger fish in freshwater streams, estuaries and the ocean. Their return will help increase biodiversity along the river by attracting more predatory fish and birds, showing the improved health and resiliency of the Bronx River.
