the hudson during & after extreme weather events. what do they tell us about the river’s...

The Hudson River Estuary During and After Extreme Weather Events

What do recent storms tell us about the river’s resiliency?

Dan MillerHudson River Estuary Program

November 19, 2014

How are Big Storms like Home Runs?

Intense Storms Predicted to Increase in Frequency

Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm LeeAugust 28- September 10, 2011

Irene Lee

Prelude to Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm LeeAugust 28- September 10, 2011

Wettest August on record since 1872

12.24 inches of accumulated rain fall by August 19 (Philadelphia)

Source: NOAA, NWS

Hudson River Estuary Watershed

•152 miles from NYC to Albany

•13,000 mi2 watershed

•Rock-framed estuary

•Supports numerous resident and

migratory species

•Essential natural and economic resource

Storm Impacts on Hudson River Estuary- Short Term

High Flow

High Tides

Sediment Input

Turbidity

Storm Impacts on the Hudson River Estuary- Fish

Irene and Lee had strong but not catastrophic effects on fish populations in the Hudson

displaced fish populations downriver

did not bring in strays from the tributaries

reduced population sizes of fish in the shore zone

reduced apparent growth rates of fish

Strayer et al. 2014

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Fish Populations Were Displaced Downriver

2000-2010

2011

Source: Dave Strayer

Sediment Input From Mohawk River and Upper Hudson

Source: Gary Wall, USGS

How much is 1.75 million tons of sediment?

This truck can carry 400 tons…

Sediment Input From Tributaries

- 200,000 400,000 600,000 800,000

Roeliff Jansen

Esopus

Normanskill*

Kinderhook

Rondout

Catskill

Tons of Suspended SedimentSource: Gary Wall, USGS

* Irene only

Total = 1,160,000 tons

Sediment and Turbidity- Post Irene & Lee

Strayer et al. 2014

Submerged Aquatic Vegetation

Water celery (Vallisneria americana)

Ecological Functions of SAV: Habitat

More fish food = more fish

SAV Volunteer Monitoring Program Data

Ecosystem ResiliencyAn ecosystem’s ability to recover after being stressed.

Has the Hudson Recovered?• Water Quality

• Benthic Communities

• Fish and Wildlife

• SAV

Restoring Ecosystem Resilience to HR Estuary

•SAV•Shallow and Intertidal Habitats•Shorelines•Side Channels

Conclusions Irene and Lee had acute short-term effects on water quality and fish

communities.

Long-term recovery still underway

SAV Recovery

Restoration efforts can enhance ecosystem resiliency and recovery from future large storms

There will be more

Thank You!

Dan Miller

Hudson River Estuary Habitat Restoration Coordinator

Hudson River Estuary Program

daniel.miller@dec.ny.gov

845-889-4745 ext. 110