The DEP is proposing changes to the regulations that govern the harvest of horseshoe crabs.
The most important change for shorebird conservation would be the establishment of horseshoe crab sanctuaries at Connecticut’s three Important Bird Areas that support significant shorebird concentrations in spring migration:
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Milford Point in Milford;
·
Menunketesuck Island in Westbrook; and
·
Sandy Point in West Haven.
Additional measures that will help to improve shorebird habitat:
·
Postpone the start of the statewide horseshoe crab season from May into June, because the bulk of spring migrants pass through our state in May. The measure is not part the current proposal, but we strongly recommend that it be included in the revised regulations, and;
·
Ensure that the penalties for violation of the closed areas are clearly spelled out in the regulations and that they are substantial enough to effectively deter violations.
It is important that there is a strong showing of support for these changes from the birding and environmental communities. Please let the DEP know that shorebird conservation is important to you and that you support their efforts to conserve shorebirds and horseshoe crabs.
Background:
Horseshoe crab eggs represent a critical food source for many species of migratory shorebirds that make -- annual journeys sometimes from as far away as southern South American wintering grounds -- to nesting areas in the Arctic. Migratory shorebirds that utilize this food source include: Sanderling; Red Knot; Dunlin; Ruddy Turnstone; and Semipalmated Sandpiper, all of which pass through Connecticut in substantial numbers.
Horseshoe crab eggs are particularly important as a food source in spring migration. It is imperative that these birds reach their Arctic nesting grounds in peak physical condition so they can reproduce in brief Arctic summer. Since horseshoe crab eggs are such an important food source for these shorebirds, many of which are undergoing significant range-wide population declines, Connecticut's horseshoe crab harvest must be conducted in a sustainable manner. Populations of horseshoe crabs at critical shorebird stopover areas must be allowed to recover to historic levels.
Please help to support this important proposal by attending one of the two public hearings or by submitting comments to the DEP.
Two public hearings have been scheduled to obtain public comment to determine whether to adopt the proposed regulations or revise them. All interested parties are invited to express their views on the proposal at the following locations beginning at 7:00 PM:
Thursday, November 9, 2006
Ramada Inn
Lordship Boulevard
(I-95, Exit 30)
Stratford, CT |
Monday, November 13, 2006
DEP Marine Headquarters Education Center
333 Ferry Road
(I-95; Exit 70, Rt. 156 southbound)
Old Lyme, CT |
In addition to the public hearings, the DEP will accept written comments during the two-week period following the hearings (through November 27, 2006). All comments whether delivered at the public hearings or written and mailed to the DEP are part of the record and are considered by the Department. Written comments should be submitted to Mark Alexander by mail at the Marine Fisheries Division, PO box 719, Old Lyme, CT 06371-0719, or by email to dep.marine.fisheries@po.state.ct.us. Based on public comment, the proposed regulations may be adjusted to meet the objective of the proposal.
For directions to the November 9th meeting: http://dep.state.ct.us/calendar/viewev.asp?id=2701
For directions to the November 13th meeting: http://dep.state.ct.us/calendar/viewev.asp?id=2700
Attached for your convenience is the testimony of Audubon Connecticut (pdf)>>
Thank you very much!
Sincerely,
Patrick M. Comins, Director of Bird Conservation, Audubon Connecticut
Milan Bull, Director of Science and Conservation, Connecticut Audubon Society
