Fines for Horseshoe Crabbing in New Jersey May be Lowered

The proposal by Sen. Jeff Van Drew that moved forward this week would give environmental regulators leeway to lower fines for illegally harvesting horseshoe crabs to $2,500 from $10,000. Sen. Van Drew believes the change is necessary to distinguish between accidental and purposeful violations.

In March, Gov. Jon S. Corzine signed a law imposing an indefinite ban on crabbing . The law aims to help a threatened migrating shorebird that feeds on the crabs’ eggs. Survival of the migratory red knot depends on the horseshoe crab.

Sources:Philly.com

What eats horseshoe crabs

New Jersey law office of Garces & Grabler