The American Eel has a fascinating life cycle, beginning thousands of miles away in the Sargasso Sea. The translucent larvae, aptly known as glass eels, traverse the Atlantic Ocean using currents. Their migration ends in estuaries and freshwater habitats along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of North America. As they mature, they begin to develop a gray pigment and transition towards freshwater lakes, ponds, and rivers. At this stage, they are referred to as elvers.

American eel and its juvenile forms are an indicator species, meaning its presences suggests clean water and a healthy ecosystem. Monitoring glass eels can help us better understand the water quality and ecological diversity of the Hackensack River. 

On March 11^th, eel mops were deployed at three locations throughout the Meadowlands for weekly assessments. With four glass eels (top right picture) and one elver (top left picture) identified, the results have positive indications regarding the health of the ecosystem. Since migration typically occurs in the late winter through the late summer months, we hope numbers will continue to rise as the season progresses.