The Horseshoe Crab, Limulus polyphemus: 200 Million Years of Existence, 100 Years of Study

Management of the horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus, is currently surrounded by controversy. The species is considered a multiple-use resource, as it plays an important role as bait in a commercial fishery, as a source of an important biomedical product, as an important food source for multiple species of migratory shorebirds, as well as in several other minor, but important, uses. Concern has arisen that horseshoe crabs may be declining in number. However, traditional management historically data have not been kept for this species. In this review we discuss the general biology, ecology, and life history of the horseshoe crab. We discuss the role the horseshoe crab plays in the commercial fishery, in the biomedical industry, as well as for the shorebirds. We examine the economic impact the horseshoe crab has in the mid-Atlantic region and review the current developments of alternatives to the horseshoe crab resource. We discuss the management of horseshoe crabs by including a description of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) and its management process. An account of the history of horseshoe crab management is included, as well as recent and current regulations and restrictions.