Staff from the Hudson River Estuary Program recently captured a massive Atlantic sturgeon, measuring over 6 feet long and weighing approximately 220 pounds.

This impressive catch highlights the ongoing efforts to monitor and protect this endangered species.

Atlantic sturgeon spend the majority of their lives in the ocean, but they return to the Hudson River to spawn during this time of year. The species, the largest sturgeon in the state, is an important part of the river's ecosystem.

While still endangered, populations are slowly recovering thanks to the collaborative efforts of researchers, conservationists, and fishing communities.