Riverkeeper Fish Migration Celebration - Hudson Boat Flotilla
June 14, 2025
10:30 AM
Multiple locations in NYC and Westchester
Location
Multiple locations in NYC and Westchester
Event type
Community
On Saturday, June 14, the invisible Serengeti-scale migration that passes through our region each year unnoticed will be made visible for all to see in the form of a flotilla of “fish boats” during the Riverkeeper Fish Migration Celebration. The five artist-designed boats will travel the course of the fish from the Atlantic up the Hudson River— celebrating the annual migration of the fish species that call the river home.
A flotilla of migrating fish — led by a larger-than-life sturgeon-themed boat designed by renowned artist Greg Corbino — will travel the route of the seasonal migration, north from the Atlantic Ocean into the streams of the Hudson. Orchestrated by Rhiannon Catalyst of Catalyst Culture Labs, the fish flotilla will sail north upriver from New York City to Croton, spreading joy, raising awareness, and turning the waterway into a floating work of art.
The flotilla will begin its voyage from our Welcoming of the Fish at Chelsea Piers in New York City at 10:30 am and make its way upriver, arriving for our Fish Village at the Hudson River Music Festival in Croton-on-Hudson by late afternoon.
Along the way, the boats will be visible from many popular riverfront parks and promenades on the Hudson’s eastern shore, including:
- Riverside Park (NYC) — approximately 11:15-11:45 am
- Fort Washington Park (NYC) — approximately 11:50 am-12:20 pm
- Yonkers Waterfront Esplanade (Yonkers) — approximately 12:50-1:20 pm
- MacEachron Waterfront Park (Hastings) — approximately 1:25-1:55 pm
- Dobbs Ferry Waterfront Park (Dobbs Ferry) — approximately 1:40-2:10 pm
- Matthiessen Park (Irvington) — approximately 1:55-2:25 pm
- Pierson Park (Tarrytown) — approximately 2:25-2:55 pm
- Croton Point Park — approximately 3:30-4:00 pm
This is an amazing opportunity to witness free public art in motion, celebrate the Hudson’s vital wildlife, and show support for a cleaner, healthier river that sustains both nature and our communities.
Meet the boats
The Riverkeeper Fish Migration Celebration brings together five notable vessels that honor the spirit of the past, present, and future of the Hudson River.
Photo: Bob La Buff
R. Ian Fletcher (36’) — Decorated as shad, herring, bass
The R. Ian Fletcher is a key part of Riverkeeper’s on-the-water patrol program. Named after a passionate scientist and environmental advocate, this vessel patrols the Hudson and its tributaries, documenting pollution. As Riverkeeper’s eyes and ears on the water, it plays a critical role in protecting the health of the river and the communities that depend on it.
The R. Ian Fletcher is a key part of Riverkeeper’s on-the-water patrol program. Named after a passionate scientist and environmental advocate, this vessel patrols the Hudson and its tributaries, documenting pollution. As Riverkeeper’s eyes and ears on the water, it plays a critical role in protecting the health of the river and the communities that depend on it.
Bob Boyle (25’) — Decorated as shad, herring, bass
Named for Riverkeeper co-founder and pioneering conservationist Robert H. Boyle, the Bob Boyle honors his legacy by continuing the work he began in the 1960s — defending the Hudson from industrial and environmental threats. Equipped for water quality collection and testing, the boat helps enforce environmental laws and ensures the river remains swimmable, fishable, and drinkable for future generations.
Named for Riverkeeper co-founder and pioneering conservationist Robert H. Boyle, the Bob Boyle honors his legacy by continuing the work he began in the 1960s — defending the Hudson from industrial and environmental threats. Equipped for water quality collection and testing, the boat helps enforce environmental laws and ensures the river remains swimmable, fishable, and drinkable for future generations.
Schooner Apollonia (64’) — Decorated as Atlantic sturgeon
The Schooner Apollonia is a modern cargo sailboat reviving the age-old practice of wind-powered shipping on the Hudson River. Launched in 2019 and meticulously restored from a 1946 steel-hulled schooner, the Apollonia is a floating symbol of sustainable commerce, delivering local goods like malt, coffee, and maple syrup using only renewable energy.
The Schooner Apollonia is a modern cargo sailboat reviving the age-old practice of wind-powered shipping on the Hudson River. Launched in 2019 and meticulously restored from a 1946 steel-hulled schooner, the Apollonia is a floating symbol of sustainable commerce, delivering local goods like malt, coffee, and maple syrup using only renewable energy.
John J. Harvey (130’) — Decorated as shad, herring, bass
Built in 1931, the John J. Harvey is one of New York Harbor’s most storied vessels. Once among the most powerful fireboats in the world, it served the New York City Fire Department for decades and was brought out of retirement to help fight fires and evacuate people on 9/11. Today, the restored Harvey offers public educational trips and celebrates maritime heritage as a floating museum.
Built in 1931, the John J. Harvey is one of New York Harbor’s most storied vessels. Once among the most powerful fireboats in the world, it served the New York City Fire Department for decades and was brought out of retirement to help fight fires and evacuate people on 9/11. Today, the restored Harvey offers public educational trips and celebrates maritime heritage as a floating museum.
Related campaigns
Saving Hudson River fish
Protecting iconic species vital to our local ecosystems
Protecting and restoring habitats
The Hudson River watershed is home to a breathtaking diversity of life. Protecting and restoring our aquatic habitats is critical for their renewal and for a healthy future for all life in the watershed
Dam removal
By removing old, obsolete dams, we are healing the ecosystem and restoring life to the Hudson and its tributaries
Other upcoming events
Jun
14
Riverkeeper Fish Migration Celebration - Welcoming of the Fish
June 14, 2025
9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Hudson River Park’s Pier 64 - New York, NY
Together we will mark the return of our Hudson River fish home from the ocean with our river-faring flotilla of fish-themed boats. Led by a massive Atlantic sturgeon, the vessels will travel the route of the seasonal migration, north from the Atlantic Ocean into the Hudson.
Jun
14
Riverkeeper Fish Migration Celebration - Fish Village
June 14, 2025
Around 5:00 pm
Croton Point Park - Croton-on-Hudson, New York
After watching the Riverkeeper Fish Migration Celebration flotilla sail north along the eastern bank of the river on Saturday, June 14, join us at Croton Point Park, where we’ll drop anchor at the Hudson River Music Festival around 4:00 pm.
Jun
14
Riverkeeper Fish Migration Celebration
June 14, 2025
NYC to Westchester
A journey of art, activism, and wonder