Library > Science & Technology > Life Science > Animals > Marine Life

Horseshoe Crab

2001
There are more horseshoe crabs in the Delaware Bay than any other place in the world, and people need to learn about horseshoe crabs and how valuable they are. Our project is an attempt to educate people about the horseshoe crab and its importance - biologically, medically, and economically. Some people have never heard of horseshoe crabs. Other people see horseshoe crabs on the beach and don't even know what they are. Many just do not realize they may owe their lives to these creatures and their blue blood. The horseshoe crab is one of the oldest species on earth and has survived all kinds of situations. Yet, recently there has been much controversy over whether to put restrictions on the harvesting of horseshoe crabs. Many people believe their numbers are declining, primarily because people are overharvesting them to use for eel and conch bait. So, we hope that as people learn more about horseshoe crabs, they will make better decisions about their future.