Scientists face a dilemma preserve valuable blue crab blood for medicine or protect an endangered bird.

Scientists face a dilemma preserve valuable blue crab blood for medicine or protect an endangered bird.

horseshoe_crab

The importance of preserving horseshoe crabs for the survival of the red knot bird

Horseshoe crabs, a species that has scuttled in the ocean and tidal pools for over 400 million years, are facing significant challenges due to human activity. While these helmet-shaped invertebrates play a vital role in coastal ecosystems, they are also sought after for their valuable blue blood. This blood, which contains immune cells sensitive to bacteria, is used to test for potentially dangerous impurities in medicines and medical devices. However, the process of collecting the blood often leads to the death of a significant number of horseshoe crabs. Recent revisions to guidelines for handling these animals aim to reduce mortality rates, but conservationists argue that more needs to be done to protect the declining populations.

One of the key concerns surrounding the harvesting of horseshoe crabs is its impact on the red knot bird, a rust-colored shorebird listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The red knot relies on horseshoe crab eggs as a vital source of food during its long migratory journey from South America to Canada. Without sufficient horseshoe crab eggs to fuel their flight, the red knot’s survival is at risk. Bethany Kraft, senior director for coastal conservation with the Audubon Society, emphasizes the critical importance of protecting horseshoe crabs for the red knot’s future.

While horseshoe crabs are harvested for their blood and also used as bait in the commercial fishing industry, the cultural and ecological significance of these creatures is undeniable. Glenn Gauvry, president of Ecological Research & Development Group, states, “They were here before the dinosaurs, and they’re having problems because the new kids on the block, us, haven’t learned to appreciate the elders.” Indeed, the horseshoe crab’s existence predates even the most ancient of creatures, making it a living testament to the resilience and richness of our planet’s ecosystems.

To address the concerns raised by conservationists, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has recently approved new best management practices to minimize mortality rates during the harvesting and handling of horseshoe crabs. These practices include exposure reduction to sunlight and ensuring the crabs are kept cool and moist. While the guidelines are voluntary, industry professionals, such as Nora Blair, quality operations manager with Charles River Laboratories, assert that they will improve the survival rates of bled horseshoe crabs. Blair acknowledges the industry’s ongoing efforts to develop a synthetic alternative to horseshoe crab blood but emphasizes that, for now, the wild harvest remains crucial for drug safety.

Pennsylvania-based photographer Matt Rourke and video journalist Rodrique Ngowi have documented the impact of horseshoe crab harvesting on the Delaware Bay, an estuary between Delaware and New Jersey, where crabs breed and red knots feed. Lawrence Niles, an independent wildlife biologist, reports a significant decline in both horseshoe crab eggs and the red knot population. As the former head of New Jersey’s state endangered species program, he demonstrates the urgent need for conservation measures. To advocate for the protection of horseshoe crabs, Niles has organized the Horseshoe Crab Recovery Coalition, which monitors population health and supports conservation efforts.

The economic implications of horseshoe crab harvesting are modest compared to other seafood industries. In 2021, the crabs were worth approximately $1.1 million at the docks, significantly less than species such as lobsters and scallops. However, George Topping, a Maryland fisherman, argues that horseshoe crab fishers are dedicated stewards of a fishery that supplies a vital product. According to Topping, “Everything you do in life comes from horseshoe crab blood. Vaccines, antibiotics… The horseshoe crab stocks are healthy.”

In conclusion, the preservation of horseshoe crabs is essential for the survival of the red knot bird and the health of coastal ecosystems. While efforts have been made to reduce mortality rates during the harvesting process, conservationists believe more action is required. The voluntary nature of the guidelines for handling horseshoe crabs poses a risk to the red knot’s future. Therefore, it is crucial that industry professionals, wildlife advocates, and policymakers come together to ensure the long-term sustainability of horseshoe crab populations and the delicate balance of our coastal ecosystems.