New data has scientists at the Maritime Aquarium pushing for more protection for the prehistoric creatures.

A recent study found consistent annual declines of 2 to 9% of horseshoe crabs in Long Island Sound.

“Horseshoe crabs have been declining in Long Island Sound for many years now," says Rebha Raviraj, part of the aquarium's conservation department. "Seeing how the environment has changed just in my lifetime has been very heartbreaking."

Horseshoe crabs predate dinosaurs.

They play an important role in the ecosystem as a food source for fish, turtles and thousands of migratory shorebirds.

Horseshoe crab blood is also used to test vaccines.

“The point of what the aquarium is trying to do in getting involved in this research is to better understand why those populations are declining, what are the interactive effects at play, and how can we come up with solutions to better protect the species in the sound," says Raviraj.

Back in 2023, Connecticut joined states like New Jersey and Delaware in enacting a ban on commercial and hand harvesting of horseshoe crabs and their eggs.

The New York state Assembly passed a similar bill this year, but Gov. Kathy Hochul has yet to sign it into law.

“Our unified voice can really make a difference," Raviraj says. "There's still time, but we need to come together as people to save them before they go extinct."