For Immediate Release: November 7, 2005

Contact: , American Bird Conservancy, 202/234-7181 ext. 207

Atlantic States Propose Two-Year Ban on Horseshoe Crab Take: Imperiled Shorebirds to Benefit

American Bird Conservancy (ABC) is applauding the decision by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to consider a two-year moratorium on the take of horseshoe crabs in New Jersey and Delaware. This is an important step forward in the conservation of both the crabs and the shorebirds that rely on them.

Delaware Bay is a major stop-off point for migrating shorebirds such as the Red Knot. Thousands of knots arrive each spring from Tierra del Fuego to gorge themselves on the eggs of the ancient horseshoe crab, to fuel the remainder of their journey to the arctic breeding grounds - a biological relationship that has existed for millennia. Recent overfishing of horseshoe crabs has resulted in a population crash of both the crabs and the knot, such that scientists predict that without conservation action, the knot could become extinct in less than ten years.

ABC and other conservation groups have campaigned hard to stop all horseshoe crab take until it is shown that the knot and crab have recovered. The horseshoe crab is a long-lived species that takes 10-12 years to reach breeding age, so a long-term, year-round moratorium is important to enhance the species' recovery.

"This is an important a step in the right direction for the conservation of these species," said Perry Plumart, Director of Conservation Advocacy for American Bird Conservancy. "Delaware and New Jersey came together on the tough decision to propose the moratorium, and we appreciate the support given by both Acting Governor Cody and Governor Minner."

ABC was joined in efforts to protect the Red Knot and horseshoe crab by Defenders of Wildlife, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, New Jersey Audubon Society, Delaware Audubon Society, and National Audubon Society.

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American Bird Conservancy (ABC) is a U.S.-based 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to conserving wild birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. ABC is headquartered in Virginia, with offices in ten states and the District of Columbia. ABC has more than 300 partner organizations throughout the Americas, primarily through its leadership roles in the North American Bird Conservation Initiative, Partners in Flight, the Bird Conservation Alliance, the National Pesticide Reform Coalition, and the Alliance for Zero Extinction. ABC was recently rated one of the best-managed small charities in the U.S. by the independent group “Charity Navigator,” and given their highest rating for fiscal management. For more information, see: www.abcbirds.org.