The New York State DEC, along with researchers from Stony Brook University and Cornell Cooperative Extension, is once again looking for volunteers to assist with the New York Horseshoe Crab Monitoring Network. The long-running community science program relies on volunteers to walk local beaches during survey nights to count and tag spawning horseshoe crabs.
The survey helps researchers monitor spawning activity, abundance, movement, survival rates and habitat use of horseshoe crabs throughout New York waters. Officials say the data collected by volunteers plays an important role in conservation efforts and helps support sustainable fisheries management decisions.
Volunteers of all experience levels are encouraged to participate. Those interested in joining the New York Horseshoe Crab Spawning Survey can visit nyhorseshoecrab.org for additional information, training details and registration opportunities.
