̽»¨¾«Ñ¡

ALBANY, NY â€“&²Ô²ú²õ±è; The Horseshoe Crab Protection Act has been signed by Governor Kathy Hochul after reaching a compromise with the Legislature that allows for a three year phase out - with a total ban taking effect in 2029. Despite these changes, we see this as a tremendous win for horseshoe crabs and the birds that rely on them.

Over 2,800 ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ members messaged the Governor in support of this bill. Thanks to you, horseshoe crabs, Red Knots, and other migratory birds now all have a better chance at survival.

Horseshoe crabs are under many threats, including loss of habitat, warming coastal and marine waters, and overfishing. Their populations have declined drastically - including in New York State - and this has put shorebirds at risk. 

Red Knots, one of our longest-distance migrants, have been listed as threatened by New York State and the federal government due to their dramatic population declines. These shorebirds rely on horseshoe crab eggs to fuel their journey from the tip of South America to the Arctic Circle. Protecting horseshoe crabs is one important step we can take to ensure their survival.

After decades of advocacy, ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ is proud to see New York join Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Jersey in banning commercial harvests of horseshoe crabs.

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