When you think of wildlife and fish swimming in rivers, the South Bronx is probably the last place that comes to mind. Congressman José E. Serrano wants to change your mind. On Tuesday the Bronx Rican Congressman helped release 200 alewife herring into the Bronx River. This is the first time in recent memory that a native species of herring have been reintroduced to the river, a long time toxic dumping ground.The fish are expected to be the seed colony for a breeding population. In a statement released to the press Serrano said:

For many years, the Bronx River was a dumping ground, a virtual dead zone for wildlife. That picture today is totally changed. In many spots it has become an urban oasis, a refuge from the concrete and steel of the city. Adding wildlife back will only serve to continue that shift from a mistreated backwater to a treasured resource for generations to come.

Via / Congressman José E. Serrano