Shark River Horseshoe Crab Tagging

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.

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.

Volunteers must be trained and learn about the biology and importance of horseshoe crabs prior to tagging live crabs.
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 645PM 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.

The schedule for horseshoe crab tagging may change due to weather but be prepared to get wet regardless of rain. Some volunteers may be assigned a specific beach to monitor around the Shark River estuary. For more information contact Capt. Al Modjeski, Habitat Restoration Director for the American LIttoral Society, at 732-291-0055 or at alek@littoralsociety.org.

MAY

Thur. May 18, 2023 - 7:15PM - Training and beach designation
Fri. May 19, 2023 - 8:00PM (new moon)
Sat. May 20, 2023 - 8:30PM

JUNE

Fri. June 2, 2023 - 6:45PM
Sat. June 3, 2023 - 730PM (full moon)
Sun. June 4, 2023 – 815PM

Sat. June 17, 2023 - 7:30PM
Sun. June 18, 2023 - 8:15PM (new moon)
Mon. June 19, 2023 - 9:00PM

Can't attend but want to become a member? Click here to read about membership benefits and how to join!

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