Interesting, and sad article in the Washington Post on 6-10-05

Horseshoe Crabs' Decline Further Imperils Shorebirds
Mid-Atlantic States Searching for Ways to Reverse Trend 
By Juliet Eilperin, Washington Post Staff Writer, June 10, 2005; A03 

EXCERPT: The battle to reverse the trend began in 1998 and will intensify
 in the coming months as birders seek to place the red knot on the federal
endangered species list. Giving it protected status -- the red knot is
already considered threatened by New Jersey authorities, but the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service is still reviewing the case -- could trigger limits on
beach access, shoreline development and fishing that could infuriate local
commercial interests. Just yesterday, New Jersey officials suspended
hand-harvesting of the crabs for two weeks as an emergency measure to try
to bolster the birds' food supply. 

For the full story, go to:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/06/09/AR2005060901894_pf.html

Carol Schreter
Baltimore