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I am
constantly searching for that “aha” experience that will motivate a
person to join the Aquarium in conservation action. And during the
summer, it is often walking the beaches searching for some of the
ocean’s oldest animals that help inspire our newest environmental
stewards.
For over 15 years, Mystic Aquarium has partnered with community
organizations to help collect critical horseshoe crab population
data. This citizen science collaboration collects significantly
more data than a single research team could compile. More than
2,500 individuals have joined us each spring as we comb the beaches
at dusk under a full moon, searching for horseshoe crabs. We record
the number of horseshoe crabs we see, their size and gender, and
whether they have a tracking tag. Some brave individuals even join
us for midnight tagging events. The data collected provides
important clues about species distribution, mortality, and human
impact.
As both demand for these animals and mortality increase, together
as a community, we are working to ensure that the horseshoe crab
population remains stable. As the summer approaches, I look forward
to walking alongside many of you as we protect these living
fossils.
MaryEllen Mateleska
Senior Director of Education & Conservation
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Partnership for Horseshoe Crab
Conservation
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In response
to ever-increasing pressures on our local horseshoe crab
populations, we have established a long-term partnership with
Charles River Laboratory to provide multiple opportunities to
engage in horseshoe crab conservation. In 2018 we expanded our crab
monitoring and tagging efforts to include the collection of
horseshoe crab eggs to be reared in the aquaculture space by the
Aquarium’s teen conservation group.
A female horseshoe crab may lay more than 80,000 eggs each breeding
season, but only a tiny fraction of them will make it to adulthood.
We are one of a handful of organizations trying to figure out how
to culture horseshoe crabs from eggs. The ultimate goal is to
release these reared animals to help boost populations in impacted
areas throughout North America.
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Join us in
May and June as we head to the beach to witness these “living
fossils” gather during our nighttime horseshoe crab monitoring
walks. As we walk a few miles along the coast, we’ll learn
the important roles these animal play in the ecosystem, economy and
ensuring human health.
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Mystic
Aquarium has a wealth of programming for students and families to
be actively engaged in research, conservation, and environmental
stewardship.
Students in PreK-Grade 10 can participate in a unique and memorable summer camp experience.
For individuals 16 years of age and older looking to become more
involved with Mystic Aquarium’s mission, visit our volunteer page to
discover the many opportunities.
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Support Our Conservation Impact
Mystic Aquarium's Conservation and Educational initiatives are
possible thanks to donations. Together, we can ensure a bright
future for our Ocean Planet.
Donate Now
Mystic
Aquarium is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to
inspire people to care for and protect our ocean planet through
conservation, education and research.
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