Scientists and fishermen clash at Assembly hearing after veto of Horseshoe Crab Protection Act

Albany — The New York State Assembly Committee on Environmental Conservation on Friday held a hybrid hearing to review the state of horseshoe crab populations after the Legislature passed the Horseshoe Crab Protection Act and Gov. Kathy Hochul vetoed it on Dec. 13, 2024.

Assemblywoman Deborah Glick, chair of the committee, opened the hearing by saying the panel had convened to examine “the state of horseshoe crabs in New York State,” noting that scientists, advocates and commercial interests were present to offer testimony.

Conservationists said New York’s horseshoe crab numbers have declined for years and urged lawmakers to revive the vetoed bill. Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment and founder of the Save the Horseshoe Crab Coalition, told the committee, “If we don't act now, when?” Esposito cited Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission findings that several New York surveys have fallen below 1998 levels and said New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) measures so far are not reversing the decline.

Erin McGrath, Policy Director for the New York State office of the National Audubon Society, emphasized the link between horseshoe crab eggs and migratory shorebirds. “Birds really are indicators,” McGrath said,…