Horseshoe Crabs.pdf

A court appeal and a PBS "Nature" television special are the latest developments in the long-standing battle over New Jersey horseshoe crabs and shorebirds. The state Marine Fisheries Council will decide on extending the two-year moratorium on harvesting horseshoe crabs for fishing bait on February 11. Conservation groups want to keep the ban to revive the declining population of western Atlantic red knot shorebirds.

Biologist Larry Niles reports a 32% decline in red knots over the last year and a half, with the wintering population potentially dropping by one-third since early 2007. The decline is attributed to the lack of crab eggs for the birds to feed on during their spring migration.

A PBS documentary, "Crash: A Tale of Two Species," premiering on February 10, highlights the interconnectedness of horseshoe crabs and shorebirds. The film features the work of Niles and other researchers, showcasing the importance of the crabs to the birds' survival.

Commercial fishermen argue that the horseshoe crab population has grown enough to justify a male-only harvest, while conservation groups contend that the moratorium should be extended to protect the shorebirds. The New Jersey fisheries council is split on the issue, with representatives from the commercial and recreational fishing sectors expressing skepticism over tighter harvest restrictions.

The court appeal, scheduled for February 5, will hear arguments from the DEP and the Southern New Jersey Watermens Association, which is seeking to overturn the New Jersey moratorium. If the council refuses to extend the moratorium, shorebird advocates may appeal to Governor Corzine to intervene with an executive order.