For Immediate Release: November 21, 2006

Contact: , Director of Public Relations, American Bird Conservancy, 202/234-7181 ext. 216

Delaware Imposes 2-Year Moratorium on Horseshoe Crab Take

Washington, DC --- Delaware has imposed a two-year ban on the take of horseshoe crabs effective December 11, 2006 to benefit populations of migratory shorebirds, especially the Red Knot, and horseshoe crabs.

"Governor Minner and Secretary Hughes are to be commended for taking this tough, science-based action," said Perry Plumart, Director of Conservation Advocacy for the American Bird Conservancy. "The horseshoe crab moratorium is the right decision."

The overfishing of horseshoe crabs has significantly depleted the availability of horseshoe crab eggs for migrating shorebirds. Scientists believe the Red Knot rufa subspecies could go extinct in as soon as 5 years.

"This conservation decision is a victory for birds. The moratorium is strongly supported by the science of both the horseshoe crab and the shorebirds," said Plumart. "The male-only take alternative would have been a risky experiment with no science to back it up."

Red Knots make one of the world's longest annual migrations. They winter at the tip of South America. During their spring migration, they time their journey to coincide with horseshoe crab spawning in Delaware Bay. Red Knots and other shorebirds need a superabundance of horseshoe crab eggs on the beach to gain weight for their journey to the Arctic breeding grounds. The steep decline of the Red Knot mirrors the overfishing of the horseshoe crab in Delaware Bay.

The statement of the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is available at http://www.dnrec.state.de.us/dnrec2000/admin/press/story1.asp?PRID=2295

### 30 ###

ABC is the only 501(c)(3) organization that works solely to conserve native wild birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. ABC acts to safeguard the rarest bird species, restore habitats, and reduce threats, while building capacity in the conservation movement. ABC is the voice for birds, ensuring that they are adequately protected; that sufficient funding is available for bird conservation; and that land is protected and properly managed to maintain viable habitat.

ABC sets the bird conservation agenda by using the best science available to determine the highest priorities and the best solutions, and then communicating these priorities to the conservation community and the public through alliances, partnerships, and networks. ABC counts among its staff some of the foremost experts in bird conservation in the United States, and partners with many others throughout the Americas.

ABC is a membership organization that is consistently awarded a top, four-star rating by the independent group, Charity Navigator.