Horseshoe Crab Advocates

Current Action Item

Massachusetts needs to do more to protect horseshoe crabs.
The time for us to take action is now.

We are at a crucial juncture in the conservation efforts for our most fascinating marine creature – the horseshoe crab. These ancient creatures have roamed our oceans for millions of years, playing a vital role in our coastal ecosystem, but coastal development and harvesting for bait and for blood extraction has led to a catastrophic drop in their numbers to the point where they are no longer able to fulfill their ecological role —and we should be concerned!

That is why we are asking you to speak up in support of our petition to add horseshoe crabs to the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA) list as a "Special Concern" species.

On April 9, 2024, the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife Board held a public hearing on proposed changes to the MESA list. There's still time for you to speak up to help protect horseshoe crabs.

Written comments will be accepted until Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.

Submit Comments

Send you comments to: Chair, Fisheries and Wildlife Board c/o Director of MassWildlife Mass. Division of Fisheries and Wildlife 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581.

Comments by e-mail may be sent to [email protected], to the attention of the Fisheries and Wildlife Board.

This is a significant opportunity for us to voice our support for greater protection of these remarkable animals.

Why list horseshoe crabs as a "Special Concern" species?

• Declining Trends: Species experiencing significant declines in population numbers, reproductive success, or habitat quality may be considered for listing.
• Threats from Human Activities: Species that are threatened by human activities such as habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, invasive species, or direct exploitation may be considered for listing.
• Prioritization: State listing identifies species within Massachusetts that are at risk of declining populations. By identifying horseshoe crabs as a "special concern" species, the state can prioritize conservation efforts and allocate resources to restore their populations.
• Conservation: Listing horseshoe crabs identifies them as a species at risk within a specific geographical area, allowing for targeted conservation efforts to protect and restore their habitat.
• Public Awareness: State listing can raise public awareness about the importance of horseshoe crabs to biodiversity and encourage conservation efforts to ensure their survival for future generations.
• Funding: Species listed as "special concern" may be eligible for conservation funding for additional research that can inform management efforts to support their recovery.

Why the new fishery regulations are not enough

The Marine Fisheries Advisory Commission voted to close the harvest of horseshoe crabs during part of their spawning period (April 15 - June 7), yet bait harvesters are still permitted to kill 140,000 horseshoe crabs again this year and the two biomedical companies on Cape Cod will bleed 200,000 more, even though the long-term effects of bleeding are unknown.

The Commonwealth's horseshoe crab eradication program wiped out millions of horseshoe crabs in the 1950s. Since then, millions more have been killed for bait. Decades of degradation of horseshoe crab spawning habitat due to development and beach armament continues —and now sea level rise due to climate change threatens much of the remaining spawning habitat. The fishing regulations do not include a comprehensive management program for rebuilding horseshoe crab populations. State listing can open the door to greater funding opportunities for restoration programs, education, and research.

Spread the Word: Share this message with your friends, family, and colleagues to raise awareness about the importance of protecting horseshoe crabs. Together, we can make a difference in the conservation of these remarkable creatures. Let's ensure a bright and sustainable future for horseshoe crabs in Massachusetts.