Delaware Bay's Horseshoe Crab Overharvest Devastates Shorebird Population and Egg Counts

Horseshoe crab management took center stage at the New York Environmental Conservation meeting on January 29, 2025, as experts highlighted the critical link between these ancient creatures and the survival of shorebird populations.

A key speaker, with over two decades of experience in endangered species programs, emphasized the dramatic decline in horseshoe crab eggs due to overharvesting. Once abundant in Delaware Bay, the number of eggs per square meter plummeted from 50,000 to just 5,000, severely impacting the migratory shorebirds that rely on these eggs for nourishment. The speaker noted that this decline has led to a staggering drop in shorebird numbers, from approximately 1.5 million to just 200,000.

The loss of eggs has dire consequences for species like the red knot, whose population has dwindled from around 93,000 to a mere 12,000. This decline is not merely a shift in migration patterns but a significant population decrease, underscoring the urgent need for effective horseshoe crab management practices.

The meeting underscored the importance of habitat restoration and sustainable harvesting to protect both horseshoe crabs and the shorebirds that depend on them. As discussions continue, the focus remains on reversing these alarming trends and ensuring the survival of both species in New York and beyond.