Dozens flocked to the Hudson River Saturday for the annual Fish Count, where naturalists and visitors are welcomed to explore the diverse world hidden below the river’s surface.

“Contrary to what a lot of people think about the East River and the Hudson River, it's actually quite an abundant ecosystem," said Isa Del-Bello, Director of Education for the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy.

News 12 is told that to date, there are 45 different unique species of marine life right under the Manhattan Bridge.

While many may not associate the Hudson River with wildlife, Nancy Webster, the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy Executive Director calls the New York Harbor “an amazing recreational and environment resource.”

Organizers say that one of the goals of the Fish Count is to educate people about the importance of protecting and preserving the harbor.

Representatives from the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy told News 12 that they regularly seine the river to monitor the water’s wildlife.