Hudson River Estuary Management Program

Helping People Protect, Conserve, and Restore the Hudson River Estuary

The Hudson River Estuary Management Program helps to protect, conserve, and where possible, restore and enhance the Hudson River estuary and its watershed. Created in 1987 through the NYS Hudson River Estuary Management Act, the Program focuses on the tidal Hudson and its surrounding watershed from the federal Lock and Dam in Troy to the Verrazano Narrows below Manhattan Island (see map of Hudson River Estuary Management Program Boundary (PDF)).The program is guided by the Hudson River Estuary Action Agenda (PDF), which sets measurable objectives that can be achieved through collective action and collaboration among government and non-government partners to protect, preserve, restore, and enhance the Hudson River estuary and its watershed.

• 2024 Annual Hudson River Estuary Coordinator's Report (PDF)
• Hudson River Estuary Action Agenda (webpage)
• Hudson River Estuary Management Advisory Committee
• Hudson River Estuary Management Plan Fact Sheet (PDF)

The Hudson River Estuary Management Program encompasses four programs: The Hudson River Estuary Program, Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve, Hudson and Delaware Marine Fisheries, and the Region 3 Marine Habitat Program of DEC’s Marine Resources. 

About the Hudson River Estuary

The Hudson River estuary stretches 153 miles, nearly half of the river’s 315-mile course. The watershed draining directly to the estuary spans over 5,300 square miles. Twice daily, the ocean’s tides push up salty seawater into the estuary from the ocean, diluted by freshwater from the upper Hudson and tributaries. In the northern reaches, the estuary is a freshwater tidal environment. More than 200 species of fish are found in the Hudson River estuary ecosystem. Coastal migratory fish, like striped bass, sturgeon, and shad, depend on spawning and nursery habitat here. Bald eagles, herons, waterfowl, and other birds feed from the river's bounty. Tidal marshes, mudflats, and other habitats in and along the estuary support a great diversity of life. People also flourish here thanks to the rich environment of the estuary and its watershed. The Hudson provides a source of drinking water for municipalities; supports the region’s tourism and business economies; and offers a destination for swimming, fishing, and boating. 

• A River That Flows Two Ways
• Hudson River Almanac
• State of the Estuary 2025

Scientific Monitoring and Mapping Tools

HRECOS

The Hudson River Environmental Conditions Observing System (HRECOS) is a network of near-real-time water quality and weather monitoring stations in the Hudson River Watershed. Stations record water quality and weather conditions every 15 minutes and transmit data in near real-time to the HRECOS website.

Hudson Valley Natural Resource Mapper

The Hudson Valley Natural Resource Mapper is an online, interactive tool designed to help identify and understand important habitat and water resources, the connections between them, and their broader regional context. The mapper also highlights Hudson River recreation sites and other areas where residents and visitors can enjoy the region's natural beauty.