American Bird Conservancy (ABC) and other conservation advocates celebrated a victory for native species in December when New York’s Horseshoe Crab Protection Act was signed into law. This law phases out the bait and biomedical harvest of horseshoe crabs in state waters by 2029. Horseshoe crabs are declining in New York and are considered functionally extinct in Long Island Sound. Conserving this species benefits a multitude of other wildlife, including the federally Threatened Red Knot and other shorebirds.
Horseshoe crabs have been sought after for their use as bait in commercial fishing operations and for their blood, which is used in medical safety tests. Overharvesting has contributed to the species’ steady decline throughout its range. Fortunately, there are bait and medical testing alternatives that do not require the harvest of horseshoe crabs. By phasing out horseshoe crab harvests, New York is taking decisive action to protect this native species — and many others.
At more than 250 million years old, the horseshoe crab is a “living fossil” and a keystone species within its ecosystem. It plays a large — and irreplaceable — role in supporting the ecosystem’s fish, reptiles, and birds. The Red Knot is particularly reliant on the species. In fact, its migration is timed to coincide with the spawning of nutrient-dense horseshoe crab eggs, which fuel the knot’s journey from South America to the Arctic. Each spring, thousands of shorebirds stop in the Delaware Bay to feast on the eggs before they finish their migration northward.
The decline in the horseshoe crab population has been a limiting factor in the recovery of the Red Knot, which is listed as Threatened by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Conservation measures like New York’s harvest moratorium protect horseshoe crabs and benefit Red Knots and many other species.
With the signing of the Horseshoe Crab Protection Act, New York joins neighboring states, including Connecticut and New Jersey, in taking action to reduce harvest pressure. ABC has championed this legislation through multiple introductions over the years. This victory for horseshoe crabs, Red Knots, and other native species is the result of years of advocacy by ABC, other members of the Horseshoe Crab Recovery Coalition, and nearly 2,000 ABC supporters in New York who took action for birds.
American Bird Conservancy (ABC) takes bold action to conserve wild birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. Inspired by the wonder of birds, we achieve lasting results for the bird species most in need while also benefiting human communities, biodiversity, and the planet’s fragile climate. Our every action is underpinned by science, strengthened by partnerships, and rooted in the belief that diverse perspectives yield stronger results. Founded as a nonprofit organization in 1994, ABC remains committed to safeguarding birds for generations to come. Join us! Together, we can do more to ensure birds thrive.
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