Hudson River Park’s Pier 40 is home to the River Project Wetlab, a unique space that features a 3,500-gallon Hudson River aquarium – NYC’s only flow-through aquarium system. Our flow-through aquarium system, diagrammed below, ensures that river water is constantly pumped directly from the Hudson River. The Wetlab provides a window into the Hudson River by serving as a home for many species of Hudson River fish including striped bass, black sea bass, oyster toadfish and lined seahorses.
HRPK’s Estuary Lab works with the River Project to deliver hands-on education and interactive scientific research that communicates the ecological importance of the Park’s 400-acre Estuarine Sanctuary through Wetlab Look-ins, field trips and more.
Thursday, November 7, to celebrate the end of the Wetlab season, the River Project and Estuary Lab hosted a farewell bash at the Pier 40 Wetlab for the wonderful wildlife that served as marine ambassadors all summer long.
More than 400 science lovers joined us to release 100+ fishes back to their estuarine habitat. Guests were granted the opportunity to choose a fish from the aquarium and accompany it as it was released back into the Hudson River by staff. Guests also enjoyed complimentary drinks and snacks and took part in activities for all ages, including a kid-friendly touch tank with crabs, snails and other native invertebrates and a microscopy station manned by volunteers from the American Museum of Natural History.
We can’t think of a better way to celebrate the end of a fantastic season of hands-on science in HRPK. Thanks to all who joined us at Release of the Fishes and at all of HRPK Estuary Lab’s programs this season!