Riverkeeper announces first annual Fish Migration Celebration
Flotilla of “fish boats” will trace the migratory path of fish upriver from NYC to celebrate the Hudson’s iconic species
May 28, 2025
Riverkeeper Team
Ossining, NY – Riverkeeper is proud to announce the inaugural Riverkeeper Fish Migration Celebration on Saturday, June 14, 2025, a daylong event highlighting the magnificent fish species that migrate annually in the Hudson River. Combining art, advocacy, and environmental conservation, the event offers a unique opportunity to follow the majestic journey of the river’s iconic species, including Atlantic sturgeon, American eel, striped bass, American shad, and river herring.
The heart of the celebration is a whimsical flotilla of art-adorned boats inspired by the river's remarkable fish that will follow their migratory path from New York Harbor up the Hudson to Croton-on-Hudson, transforming the river into a moving work of art.
The day begins with our Welcoming of the Fish, a launch event in Hudson River Park in New York City at 9:30 am, which will include live music from FunkRust, a puppet performance led by Green Feather Foundation, a spoken dedication by a member of the Ramapo Munsee Lenape community, a public-participatory Parade of the Fish, a spectacular water spouting display from retired FDNY fireboat John J. Harvey, songs about the fish written this year by students of the Urban Assembly New York Harbor School and performed by treya lam, and a call to action from Riverkeeper President Tracy Brown.
The flotilla will travel north, mirroring the yearly Serengeti-scale migration — landing at the Hudson River Music Festival in Croton Point Park. 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
“The annual migration of fish from the Atlantic Ocean into the Hudson River estuary is an olympic-scale display of life and endurance. The Hudson provides safe haven for spawning to a host of iconic fish including striped bass, Atlantic sturgeon, eel, and shad,” said Hudson Riverkeeper, Tracy Brown. “We are excited to launch an annual celebration of this miracle at our doorsteps so people can connect with these fish and their incredible journeys that bring them home to the Hudson Valley each year.”
The Hudson River is the destination for the extraordinary migratory journeys of these fishes, a process that includes adaptation from saltwater to freshwater. However, many of these species are facing significant threats, including overfishing, habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. Riverkeeper is committed to advocating for the restoration of these essential species and ensuring the Hudson River remains a thriving, vibrant waterway for generations to come.
ABOUT RIVERKEEPER
Riverkeeper protects and restores the Hudson River, and safeguards drinking water supplies through community partnerships, science, and law. Our core programs improve water quality, restore habitat for an abundance of life, and address the impact of climate change on our waterways. Founded in 1966 as the Hudson River Fishermen’s Association, Riverkeeper became the model for more than 320 Waterkeeper organizations around the world and helped establish globally-recognized standards for waterway and watershed protection. We continue to work toward the goal of a swimmable, fishable, and drinkable Hudson River for all. Learn more, get updates, and support our work by visiting riverkeeper.org.
The Riverkeeper Fish Migration Celebration is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
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
Water quality monitoring
Riverkeeper is the go-to source for information about the quality of the water along the Hudson River and its tributaries
Related news
April 13, 2020
Hudson River fish: The springtime procession
George Jackman
Blog
May 3, 2018
Hudson River fish migration: A reason and a season
George Jackman
Blog