Growing Horseshoe Crabs for Conservation and Environmental Education

Abstract

The Atlantic horseshoe crab, Limulus poylphemus, is classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to overharvesting, habitat loss from coastal development, and climate change effects. Since horseshoe crabs have a 18–22 year lifespan and reach sexual maturity in approximately 10 years, conservation efforts have been focused on reintroductions programs that raise juveniles to be released in under a year. This research updates/adapts aquaculture procedures for L. polyphemus using temperature treatments to produce the largest horseshoe crabs most likely to survive in the wild. Furthermore, I am partnered with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources on a program called “Horseshoe Crabs in the Classroom” where we work with elementary, middle, and high school public teachers across the state of Maryland to raise horseshoe crabs in their respective schools. This collaboration integrates horseshoe crab aquaculture techniques into real-world programs that benefit the community.