The annual Long Island Volunteer River Herring & Eel Survey is one of Long Island’s longest running community science projects. Started in 2006, the survey engages community volunteer scientists to monitor runs of migratory river herring and American eels in rivers and streams across Long Island. The survey, organized by Seatuck and our partners at the Long Island Sound Study, Peconic Estuary Program and South Shore Estuary Reserve – aims to find the waterways where “remnant” runs of river herring still exist and then to monitor the size and timing of those runs. This information is vital to improve access and restore local populations of these ecologically important fish. Learn more about Diadromous Fish across Long Island here.

Participants in the survey are asked to commit to surveying a local waterway from mid-March through mid-May. The survey protocol involves visiting a neighborhood river or stream and spending 15 minutes looking for river herring or signs of their presence. The visits can occur daily, weekly or as often as possible. All data is good data – the more trained eyes we have on the water, the better! Observations and information from the survey visit are then submitted through an easy-to-use on-line application on your computer or mobile device and automatically becomes part of our study. The online app helps you to geo-locate your survey location and even submit photos.

River Herring & Eel Survey Resources

• River Herring & Eel Survey Protocol
• East End Survey Sites
• South Shore Survey Sites
• North Shore/Long Island Sound Survey Sites
• Westchester Survey Sites
• River Herring & Eel Survey Link (All of Long Island)
• River Herring & Eel Survey Link (Westchester)
• River Revival Map
• 2024 Webinar East End Breakout Room
• 2024 North Shore/Westchester Webinar Breakout Room