3/26/2007

March 26, 2007
Volume 37, Number 91
Division of Soil and Water Conservation

Contact: Katy O'Connell or Kimberly Seldomridge, Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve, phone: (302) 739-3436
or Joanna Wilson, Public Affairs, phone: (302) 739-9902

Training to Be Offered April 12 for Volunteers on 2007 Horseshoe Crab Spawning Survey

The Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve (DNERR) is seeking volunteers to assist with the annual baywide horseshoe crab spawning survey in April, May and June on Ted Harvey Wildlife Area, Kitts Hummock and North Bowers beaches.

DNERR staff will host a volunteer training session from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 12, at the St. Jones Reserve, 818 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover for those who are interested in assisting with this year’s survey.

Volunteers will learn how to conduct the survey, how to properly record data and how to distinguish between male and female horseshoe crabs. The training will also highlight results of horseshoe crab surveys conducted at DNERR survey beaches since 2001. New volunteers and past participants are both encouraged to attend.

Training participants will have first preference for beach and date sign ups for the DNERR coordinated beaches. Participants who are interested in other Delaware Bay beaches are welcome to attend the training and will be referred to the appropriate beach leader for further information. Volunteers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

2007 Horseshoe Crab Spawning Survey Dates and High Tide Times
Monday, April 30, 9:14 p.m.
Wednesday, May 2, 10:23 p.m.
Friday, May 4, 11:37 p.m.
Monday, May 14, 8:09 p.m.
Wednesday, May 16, 9:52 p.m.
Friday, May 18, 11:34 p.m.
Wednesday, May 30, 9:19 p.m.
Friday, June 1, 10:38 p.m.
Sunday, June 3(4), midnight
Wednesday, June 13, 8:43 p.m.
Friday, June 15, 10:28 p.m.
Sunday, June 17(18), 12:08 a.m.

Please note that the times listed are the high tides for the DNERR coordinated beaches only. The St. Jones Reserve will be open approximately one hour prior to these times for volunteers to sign in, pick up materials and meet their survey team. The total time commitment per night will range from 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on how many horseshoe crabs there are to count. Pre-registration is required to assist.

Since 1990, surveys have been conducted of horseshoe crabs spawning in Delaware Bay. Despite the horseshoe crab’s importance to the ecology of the Bay, little is known about its population status. Spawning surveys give scientists an index of the population to assist them in the management of the species. Now, every spring on several peak spawning days, volunteers donate their time to count crabs on key beaches in Delaware and in New Jersey.

For more information or to register for the training, please contact DNERR staff members Katy O’Connell or Kimberly Seldomridge at 302-739-3436. For information on horseshoe crab monitoring, please visit http://www.ocean.udel.edu/mas/bhall/hsccensus.

The Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve is a partnership between the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. DNERR is administered through the Delaware Coastal Programs Section of DNREC’s Division of Soil and Water Conservation.
 

-30-