Call for Gov. Hochul to sign horseshoe crab protection bill in NY
The Humane Society of the United States calls on Gov. Hochul to sign a critical bill (A.10140/S. 3185A) aimed at protecting the horseshoe crab population in New York State. This legislation, passed by the New York State Legislature, would end the taking of horseshoe crabs for commercial and biomedical use and represents a significant step in ensuring the long-term survival of these vital creatures.
“Governor Hochul can help New York take a leading role in the protection of horseshoe crabs, as well as the vulnerable species relying on their eggs for survival, by signing this bipartisan bill into law,” said Brian Shapiro, New York state director for the Humane Society of the United States. “As surrounding states have recently taken steps to prevent overharvesting of horseshoe crabs, it is vital that New York ensure these activities do not land on our shores. We thank Assemblymember Deborah Glick and Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal for their leadership on this issue and respectfully urge Governor Hochul to sign this horseshoe crab protection bill into law.”
Horseshoe crabs have survived on Earth for over 400 million years, enduring multiple mass extinctions. However, their populations are now at historic lows due to biomedical and commercial harvesting. By passing A.10140/S. 3185A this session, the Legislature correctly recognized the need for stronger protections to ensure their existence and the species that depend on them.
With this legislation, New York can continue its legacy of environmental stewardship and lead the way in preserving one of the most unique and valuable species on Earth.
