Horseshoe crab tagging will resume in the Shark River estuary on Thursday, May 18 with a training/tagging event starting at the L Street Beach in Belmar, NJ. Volunteers can participate in tagging and monitoring events through June 19. Register for tagging through the dates in the column on the right.

​Volunteers must be trained and learn about the biology and importance of horseshoe crabs prior to tagging live crabs.

Tagging and monitoring crabs helps provide information on population trends and crab movement, which provides a small window into the health of an important and ancient species. The spawning season of the Horseshoe Crab is the only time they come ashore and the season is just a few short weeks in May and June. Data from the work is provided to the US Fish and Wildlife Service. 

Volunteers should dress to get wet, have a change of clothes, bug spray, and flashlights or head lamps. A limited amount of chest waders, drills, and 2 5/32 bits can be provided.

A tagging packet containing data sheets, pens, ruler or measuring board, clipboard, health and safety form, tags, informational packets, and a membership brochure will be provided. Your donations keep this program going.

The same beaches from past years will be surveyed to include Memorial Park Beach in Neptune City, L Street Beach in Belmar, the Marina on Riverside Drive (2 sites), and S. Riverside Drive (2 sites). Only staff or experienced volunteers will be allowed to tag at the Hillside Avenue site (if accessible). In all, up to 7 sites may be surveyed in 2023.

Of particular interest this year is the restored beach along S. Riverside Drive. It is critical we collect data there to show if restoration is beneficially impacting the horseshoe crab.

For trained volunteers that tag independently throughout the season, please show up on May 18th at 6:45 p.m. to receive tagging packets and a drill with bits or contact me ahead of time and we can arrange a pick up. For more information contact Capt. Al Modjeski at alek@littoralsociety.org. 
Can't attend but want to become a member? Click here to read about membership benefits and how to join!
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​Sat. June 17, 2023 - 7:30PM