Dear Governor Hochul: Birds Need Horseshoe Crabs

A4997

Extends DEC's author...

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Dear Governor Hochul: Birds Need Horseshoe Crabs

Red knots horseshoe crabs pc don riepe (1)

Email Subject:

Dear [Your Elected Official],

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your City & State]

Send me occasional emails about this issue

Hello!

I'm calling to strongly voice my support for the Horseshoe Crab Protection Act (A.4997 (Glick) / S.4289 (Hoylman-Sigal)). And I'm urging Governor Hochul to take action for birds, wildlife, and biodiversity.

A single female horseshoe crab can lay up to 120,000 eggs during breeding season, making these living dinosaurs a keystone species that ensures the wellbeing of entire ecosystems. Their eggs are a vital food source for migrating shorebirds, such as the Piping Plover, Red Knot, and Semipalmated Sandpiper. I care about these birds and Kathy Hochul should too!

However, horseshoe crab populations have been declining drastically due to habitat loss, warming waters, and overharvesting. This bill can help change that... with the Governor's help.

For two years, the NY State Assembly and Senate have passed the Horseshoe Crab Protection Act. Governor Hochul, THIS is the year to pass this critical piece of legislation. Turn the Horseshoe Crab Protection Act into law, protecting horseshoe crabs and the vulnerable shorebirds that rely on them.

Thank you for listening.

Summary

Horseshoe crabs are a keystone species in decline that support a number of vulnerable bird species, such as the Piping Plover, Red Knot, Whimbrel, Ruddy Turnstone, and Semipalmated Sandpiper.  The Horseshoe Crab Protection Act, A.4997 (Glick) / S.4289 (Hoylman-Sigal), would extend NY State DEC's authority to regulate management of horseshoe crabs and prohibit harvesting for commercial and biomedical purposes. For two years in a row, this bill passed in both the State Assembly and Senate. Last year it was vetoed by Governor Kathy Hochul. This is the year we turn this critical bill into law.  New York has the opportunity to be a leader by instituting a harvest ban.  Please urge Governor Kathy Hochul to pass this bill, protecting horseshoe crabs and the shorebirds that rely on them.

Who will receive your message?

Your State Governor