May 23, 2024 — Conservation efforts are in the works to save endangered horseshoe crabs as they begin migration onto Maryland beaches.
Protecting the horseshoe crab is crucial as the ancient species play a vital role in the aquatic ecosystem and the field of medicine.
“They will be coming in with the full moons and laying eggs on the beaches,” said Toni Kerns, a fisheries policy director.
From May through July, female horseshoe crabs will lay about 20,000 eggs.
“Their eggs are a food source for migrating shorebirds,” Kerns said. “They are also preyed upon by larger species like sharks and sea turtles.”