As Delaware’s beaches prepare for the annual horseshoe crab spawning season, tensions are rising between conservationists and the commercial fishing industry.
Environmental advocates are pushing for stronger protections, including a potential bill banning the harvest of horseshoe crabs for bait.
Meanwhile, local fishermen argue that further restrictions threaten their livelihoods.
Key Points of the Debate
- Conservationists want to ban bait harvesting, as New Jersey did over a decade ago.
- Data shows the horseshoe crab population is increasing due to a female harvest ban in place since 2012.
- Despite population growth, red knot shorebird numbers remain low, and egg-density is still far from historical levels.
Industry Pushback and Proposals
Fisherman Stuart Potter suggested allowing collection of freshly dead crabs from beaches to offset live harvest quotas.
However, conservationists like Glenn Gauvry reject the idea as impractical and unreliable.
Legislative Efforts and Potential Compromise
State Rep. Sophie Phillips is trying to bring all sides together to create a workable bill.
The Delaware Audubon Society indicated willingness to support a compromise if a full ban lacks legislative support.
Biomedical Use Adds Complexity
Even with a bait ban, the pharmaceutical industry continues harvesting horseshoe crabs for LAL, a substance used in medical safety testing.
This biomedical harvest surpassed the bait harvest in recent years, raising further conservation concerns.
Although a synthetic alternative (rFC) is now approved, adoption has been slow.
Population on the Rise
Surveys from multiple states and agencies suggest the horseshoe crab population in Delaware Bay is recovering.
In 2022, estimates recorded 40 million mature males and 16 million mature females.
What’s Next?
While a final decision has yet to be made, stakeholders are hopeful that ongoing dialogue will lead to balanced protections for horseshoe crabs without devastating the local fishing industry.
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Source: Delaware Public Media