Horseshoe crab survey on Short Beach highlights urgent push to save a species in decline
Atlantic horseshoe crab populations have been declining for years, and the species plays a key role in coastal ecosystems.
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A hands-on survey at Short Beach in Stratford brought together State Representative Joseph Gresko and conservation scientists from The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk to check on one of the Sound’s oldest species — the Atlantic horseshoe crab. The team examined how well the crabs are reproducing as part of an ongoing effort to protect the species.
Gresko, who helped lead Connecticut’s 2023 ban on harvesting horseshoe crabs and their eggs, joined researchers for the latest phase of a larger research project launched in 2025 with the national Horseshoe Crab Recovery Coalition. The initiative aims to map critical spawning habitats along Long Island Sound to better understand where horseshoe crabs are still reproducing successfully.
Researchers say the work is urgent. Atlantic horseshoe crab populations have been declining for years, and the species plays a key role in coastal ecosystems.
