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FWRI requests assistance in documenting horseshoe crab beaches.

 Horseshoe crabs can be found in the United States from Northern Maine south to Florida. Adult horseshoe crabs are usually found offshore- but during mating season these crabs are found on the beaches; where they mate and the females deposit eggs. 

Migratory shorebirds rely on horseshoe crab eggs as a primary food source during their long migrations. The decrease in horseshoe crab abundance has contributed to notable declines in the abundance of many shorebird species. As a result, many states have put restrictions on horseshoe crab harvesting, and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission developed a Horseshoe Crab Fishery Management Plan. In order to gain a better understanding of horseshoe crab biology and mating activities, this management plan requires all Atlantic coastal states to identify horseshoe crab nesting beaches.

Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) biologists have initiated a statewide survey of nesting beaches where horseshoe crabs mate and spawn their eggs. This survey includes collecting sightings of horseshoe crabs mating on beaches.  Since the state of Florida is so vast- FWRI needs the help of the public for this survey. Observations from the public and data collected by the public  will directly contribute to the success of the survey. The horseshoe crab has existed for hundreds of millions of years. With the public's help, it will ensure they will survive for many more years to come.

If you have observed horseshoe crab nesting activities in Florida (two or more horseshoe crabs connected together), please report this information to us. You can report your information with our Online Survey, or you can contact us directly by e-mail or phone. The e-mail address and telephone number are listed below.

E-mail: horseshoe@MyFWC.com

Toll-free phone: 1-866-252-9326