Editing Hudson River (section)

===Marine and invasive species===
[[Marine life]] is known to exist in the estuary, with seals, crabs, and some whales reported. On March 29, 1647, a white whale swam up the river to the [[Rensselaerswyck]] (near Albany). [[Herman Melville]], author of ''[[Moby-Dick]]'', lived in and near Albany from 1830 to 1847, and was known to have ancestry from [[New Netherland]], leading some to believe stories of the whale sighting inspired his novel.<ref name="Whale1"/>

Non-native species often originate in New York Harbor, a center of long-distance commerce. Over 100 foreign species reside in the river and its banks. Many of these have had significant effects on the ecosystem and natural habitats. The [[water chestnut]] produces a vegetative mat that reduces oxygen content in the water below, enhances sedimentation, impedes small vessel navigation, and is a hazard to swimmers and walkers. The zebra mussel arrived in the Hudson in 1989 and has spread through the river's freshwater region, reducing photoplankton and river oxygen levels. Positively, the mussel clears suspended particles, allowing for more light to aquatic vegetation. In saltwater areas, the [[green crab]] spread in the early 20th century and the [[Japanese shore crab]] has become dominant in recent years.<ref name="RP"/>