Wellfleet Bay Sanctuary

Calling Citizen Scientists: Horseshoe Crab Conference

Horseshoe crabs are popular inhabitants of the coastal waters of Cape Cod. Their size and recognizable shells make them a favorite of child and adult beachgoers alike. Horseshoe crabs provide food for important bird species as well as bait for the fishing industry Their blood—sustainably harvested—is used in a test for bacterial contamination in a wide range of drugs, vaccines and medical devices. The test was discovered at the Marine Biological Laboratory at Woods Hole. Sanctuary Director Bob Prescott covers these and other issues in this presentation.

Research by the sanctuary on horseshoe crab populations in Wellfleet Harbor has been ongoing for more than two years. Many sanctuary volunteers have assisted in this research. The research has already prompted the Division of Marine Fisheries to propose new regulations to improve the management of horseshoe crab populations in Cape waters. We appreciate all of you who attended the hearing and submitted letters and emails to the DMF. We will let you know when a decision is reached.

As part of the sanctuary’s enhanced research effort we have scheduled a free, public conference. It will  highlight important studies related to horseshoe crabs, with noted researchers from the local area sharing their findings. Information on how to become a citizen scientist and help in this research will also be provided.

The Horseshoe Crab Conference is scheduled for Saturday, April 17, 9:30 am-3 pm at the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. This free conference will feature presentations by local experts. They will include the biology and development of horseshoe crabs by Dr. Daniel Gibson of WPI; an overview of state-wide spawning surveys and management of horseshoe crab fisheries by Vincent Malkoski of Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries; results of an independent study on the  mortality of horseshoe crabs bled for the bio-medical industry by Alison Leschen; and details of the movements of horseshoe crabs within Pleasant Bay by Dr. Mary-Jane James-Pirri.

For a full agenda, please click here. And plan to join us for this interesting and informative conference!