Horseshoe crabs have existed for over 350 million years and are a keystone species that support a number of migratory shorebirds, fish, and other marine life. Unfortunately, Horseshoe Crabs are under many threats, including loss of habitat, warming coastal and marine waters, and overfishing in prior decades. Their populations have declined drastically, including in New York State, and we must act now to protect this important species.
Use your voice to ask Governor Hochul to protect horseshoe crabs and the birds that need them to survive by signing the Horseshoe Crab Protection Act into law.
Dear Governor Hochul,
Horseshoe crabs have existed for over 350 million years and are a keystone species that supports a number of migratory shorebirds, fish, and other marine life that rely on horseshoe crab eggs for a food source. This includes vulnerable bird species such as the Red Knot, Whimbrel, Ruddy Turnstone, and Semipalmated Sandpiper, which migrate thousands of miles to the Arctic Circle each spring. Along this perilous journey, these birds stop over on beaches along the Atlantic Coast to rest and feed, primarily on Horseshoe Crab eggs, to gain enough weight to make it to their breeding grounds.
Unfortunately, the horseshoe crab population has been declining drastically, including in New York State. Horseshoe Crabs are under many threats, including loss of habitat, warming coastal and marine waters, and overfishing in prior decades. The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) downgraded New York State's population from "Neutral" to "Poor" in the 2019 Horseshoe Crab Benchmark Stock Assessment and the population was again listed as "Poor" in the 2024 Stock Assessment, indicating that current management strategies have been insufficient to restore the Horseshoe Crab to its historical abundance.
Neighboring states, including Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Jersey have closed their horseshoe crab fisheries in order to protect this important species, and in light of these actions, it is time for New York State to follow in their footsteps and close its fishery until there is evidence that the local population is recovering.
For these reasons, I am asking you to sign A.4997 (Glick) / S.4289 (Hoylman) into law to protect Horseshoe Crabs.
Sincerely,
[Your name here]
