Catch of the Day

“No one, to our knowledge, has ever documented catching American eels in the Chicago River,” said Margaret Frisbie, executive director of Friends of the Chicago River. “Catching one is an actual measure that we know water quality is improving, becoming more hospitable to fish that should live here.”

For two hours, participants caught more than 30 fish representing eight species at #ChicagoFishes. Common catches included bluegill, green sunfish and channel catfish. Here's the full article.

Decades of efforts to clean-up the Chicago River from community advocates, scientists and policies like the Clean Water Act are paying off, and the new Chicago Riverwalk offers unprecedented access. Cleaner water and improved habitat are delivering improving, diverse fish populations and new opportunities to experience nature and have fun. 

Friends partnered with the Metropolitan Planning Council, Environmental Law and Policy Center Organized by the Metropolitan Planning Council, Environmental Law & Policy Center, Friends of the Chicago River, Shedd Aquarium, Illinois Environmental Council and Chicago Park District.