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Horseshoe crab tagging will resume in the Shark River estuary on Sunday, May 11 at Memorial Park in Neptune, NJ (GPS: 26 Myron Avenue, Neptune NJ). Volunteers can participate in tagging and monitoring events through June 12. 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. 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). We are not authorized to allow volunteers to tag independently throughout the season. All tagging will be supervised by permitted staff on scheduled event days. For more information contact Capt. Al Modjeski at [email protected]. Can't attend but want to become a member? Click here to read about membership benefits and how to join!
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