Seaside Advocacy Initiatives & Legislation
Horseshoe Crab Tagging
Seaside Sustainability’s Horseshoe Crab Tagging Pro gram is a hands-on citizen science initiative designed to collect vital data on horseshoe crab populations along the Cape Ann coastline. These ancient marine creatures are protected under the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, and tracking their populations plays an important role in conservation efforts. Through a part nership with Acrobiosystems and support from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, this flagship program invites volunteers and community members to help tag and release horseshoe crabs, contributing directly to population monitoring and scientific research.
Horseshoe crabs are a keystone species with ecological importance, particularly as a food source for migratory birds and for their unique blue blood, which is critical to medical research. Monitoring their populations helps researchers and agencies assess the health of coastal ecosystems and make informed management decisions. This program empowers everyday citizens to play a role in conservation while learning about these fascinating creatures firsthand.
Volunteers find horseshoe crabs during high tides in late May to mid-June, then measure the shell width and record location details on a data sheet. A small hole is made in the shell, and an ID tag is inserted. The crab’s sex and tag number are recorded before it’s released back into the water. Check out our video to see how we do it!