Hochul Urged to Ban Horseshoe Crab Fishing

Why Advocates Want Immediate Protection

Environmental groups and marine biologists are pressing Governor Kathy Hochul to impose a statewide ban on horseshoe crab harvesting. They contend that the species, long regarded as a living fossil, has suffered a sharp decline in recent years due to over‑exploitation and habitat loss. A ban, they argue, would give the crab populations a chance to rebound, safeguarding the vital role they play in coastal ecosystems and in medical research.

Industry Concerns Over a Potential Ban

Opponents, including commercial fishermen and local business associations, warn that prohibiting horseshoe crab fishing could cripple a multi‑million‑dollar industry. They stress that the crabs support lucrative bait markets and that a ban would lead to job losses and higher operating costs for coastal fisheries. Critics also question whether a blanket prohibition is the most effective conservation tool, suggesting instead that stricter quotas or seasonal closures might balance ecological needs with economic realities.