The horseshoe crab was weird long before it had a name, a survivor whose 10 eyes have seen dinosaurs, mass extinctions and mankind's march up the food chain.
For humans, these living fossils have proved profitable. First, it was discovered that horseshoe crabs made good bait for catching conch and eel, and later a lucrative use was found for their lifesaving blood.
Now the South Jersey shores of the Delaware Bay have become a battleground for a fight over the ancient creature, involving fishermen, environmentalists, politicians, scientists and bird lovers.
Last month, New Jersey state Sen. Jeff Van Drew, a Democrat who represents parts of Cape May and Cumberland counties, introduced legislation that would lift a ban on harvesting horseshoe crabs that's been in place since 2008.
Van Drew's bill would face strong opposition from environmental groups. It is in committee in both houses of the Legislature, and no vote has been scheduled.(JASON NARK)
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/2...ate_pinches_NJ_lawman__environmentalists.html
For humans, these living fossils have proved profitable. First, it was discovered that horseshoe crabs made good bait for catching conch and eel, and later a lucrative use was found for their lifesaving blood.
Now the South Jersey shores of the Delaware Bay have become a battleground for a fight over the ancient creature, involving fishermen, environmentalists, politicians, scientists and bird lovers.
Last month, New Jersey state Sen. Jeff Van Drew, a Democrat who represents parts of Cape May and Cumberland counties, introduced legislation that would lift a ban on harvesting horseshoe crabs that's been in place since 2008.
Van Drew's bill would face strong opposition from environmental groups. It is in committee in both houses of the Legislature, and no vote has been scheduled.(JASON NARK)
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/2...ate_pinches_NJ_lawman__environmentalists.html