Since 1990, surveys have been conducted of horseshoe crabs spawning in Delaware Bay. The data collected by volunteers during these surveys is key for scientists to monitor changes in numbers of spawning crabs in the Bay. Now, every spring on several peak spawning days, volunteers donate their time to count crabs on key beaches in Delaware and in New Jersey. Delaware’s well-trained and enthusiastic volunteers have made this program one of the most successful volunteer based wildlife surveys in the country.
The Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve (DNERR) coordinates the survey on three Delaware Bay beaches each spring (Kitts Hummock, Ted Harvey Wildlife Area, North Bowers Beach). Planning for the Annual Baywide Horseshoe Crab Spawning Survey begins in March of each year seeking volunteers to assist with the annual baywide horseshoe crab spawning survey that takes place in May and June. Volunteers are required to be trained in survey protocols. This is a wonderful way to see this natural spectacle on the Delaware Bay and we invite anyone who is interested in this fascinating creature to participate!
2012 Volunteer Training dates are now available!
Please register here for a volunteer training session. The dates are:
Thursday, April 5, 2012 from 6 - 7:30 p.m. at the St. Jones Reserve
- or -
Saturday, April 14, 2012 from 10 - 11:30 a.m. at the St. Jones Reserve
DNERR staff holds two volunteer training sessions in April each year for anyone interested in assisting with the Horseshoe Crab Spawning survey at the St. Jones Reserve, 818 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. All new volunteers are required to attend a training session and past participants are strongly encouraged to attend.
Volunteers learn how to conduct the survey, how to properly record data and how to distinguish between male and female horseshoe crabs. The training also highlights the results of horseshoe crab survey data and how it is being used.
In addition, training participants will have first preference for beach and date signups for the DNERR-coordinated beaches. Participants who are interested in other Delaware Bay beaches not coordinated by the DNERR are welcome to attend the training and will be referred to the appropriate beach leader for further information. Volunteers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Please email Jennifer Holmes or Kelly Valencik, or call (302)739-3436 for more information.
2012 Horseshoe Crab Spawning Survey Dates
Sign-ups for survey dates will begin in April 2012.
| Thursday, May 3 |
8:00 p.m. |
n/a |
| Saturday, May 5 |
9:45 p.m. |
n/a |
| Monday, May 7 |
11:28 p.m. |
n/a |
| Friday, May 18 |
8:59 p.m. |
n/a |
| Sunday, May 20 |
10:12 p.m. |
n/a |
| Tuesday, May 22 |
11:26 p.m. |
n/a |
| Saturday, June 2 |
8:33 p.m. |
n/a |
| Monday, June 4 |
10:21 p.m. |
n/a |
| Thursday, June 7 |
12:06 a.m. |
n/a |
| Sunday, June 17 |
9:07 p.m. |
n/a |
| Tuesday, June 19 |
10:25 p.m. |
n/a |
| Thursday, June 21 |
11:42 p.m. |
n/a |
*Times are for beaches coordinated by the Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve only.
Horseshoe Crab Spawning Survey Team Leader counting horseshoe crabs
For general information about the Horseshoe Crab spawning surveys, or to assist with one of the other beaches, please visit the main Delaware Bay Horseshoe Crab Spawning Survey website.
