Seining is the simplest kind of science: two people walk a net through the shallows, drag it back, and everything living out there is suddenly in a tray in front of you. The Urban Park Rangers run it at Dubos Point, a salt marsh sanctuary on Jamaica Bay in Far Rockaway, and they supply the waders and the nets. If you want your kids to hold a live fish out of Jamaica Bay rather than read about one, this is the hour.
What to expect
You meet the Rangers at the shoreline, get into a pair of waders and take turns walking the seine net out and back through the shallows. Each haul comes up into a tray for a look — small fish, crabs, shrimp, marsh life — before everything goes back in the water. It lasts about an hour and you will get wet, which is rather the point.
Good to know
- Dubos Point sits on the bay side of the Rockaway peninsula; the A train to the Rockaways plus a local bus is the transit route, and it is a long trip from most
- All equipment, including waders and the seine nets, is provided by the Rangers.
- Recommended for ages eight and up.
- Bring a towel and a change of socks — you're going into the water.
- The marsh is buggy in late summer, so insect repellent earns its place in the bag.
- Listed as free with no advance registration; call 311 if you want to confirm before making the trip.
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Common questions
Do I need my own waders?
No. The Urban Park Rangers provide all the equipment, including waders and the seine nets themselves.
Is it suitable for young children?
It's recommended for ages eight and up. Younger kids can usually watch from the shore, but the wading is aimed at older children and adults.
How long does it run?
About an hour, per the NYC Parks listing.
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