The American shad occupies a large space in the cultural history of the Hudson River. Right now the prospects for shad in the Hudson pretty much suck. According to the New York DEC: “Current data indicate the stock is at its historic low. The rise in adult mortality in the last 20 years coincided with a decrease in mean age, mean size, and stock size. Mortality rates on the adult stock remain high, well above acceptable levels. Recent poor recruitment is a major concern. Shad are vulnerable to a host of fisheries on the Atlantic coast during the entire duration of their ocean residency. Total ocean bycatch estimates remain unknown. Mortality on the stock needs to be reduced.” To that end, the State put…