For Immediate Release: October 18, 2007

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

Horseshoe Crab Decision Threatens Red Knots

(Washington, D.C.) The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced new horseshoe crab regulations today that allow the taking of 100,000 male crabs.

“This decision does not reflect the overwhelming body of scientific research showing that horseshoe crabs simply need a break from harvesting if their population is ever going to rebound,” said Darin Schroeder, Executive Director for Conservation Advocacy for American Bird Conservancy. “Only a moratorium from harvesting will allow the horseshoe crab population the time it needs to return to normal levels - which is also essential if we are to prevent extinction for the Red Knot within the next decade as predicted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.”

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