Horseshoe Crab Harvesting Must Stop At Cape Romain, Federal Wildlife Agency Proposes

AVINDAW -- Federal Wildlife Agency have proposed ending horseshoe crab trapping at Cape Roma because the practice conflicts with the Coastal Shelter's mission to protect wildlife.

The move is the latest blow to the lucrative crab blood collection business, after a lawsuit was filed in 2020 alleging that the crab blood collection threatens endangered species.

The March 14 designation by the US Fish and Wildlife Service responds to two applications for special use permits.

At least one order for an expensive drug came from Charles River Labs, a company that collects blue blood from animals.

The state's Department of Natural Resources has been asked to review and comment on the proposal, which has the power to trap certain species in protected areas. A company spokesman said it had no comment.

In a 42-page draft, the service listed several reasons why it has been impossible to collect crabs in the sanctuary, about 20 miles north of Charleston. One of the reasons given is that the federal authorities have to control the operation financially and in terms of working hours.

These include hiring more biologists, increasing police patrols during the day and increasing patrols at night to ensure farmers comply with license terms.

The service said removing crabs from the ecosystem would negatively impact the species the sanctuary was created to protect.

Seabirds depend on crab eggs to provide food for their migration. Adult crabs are a high-protein food source for birds and sea turtles, according to the service.

As a result, the agency decided not to allow horse manure collection between March 15 and July 15.

Groups like Charles River Labs have previously hired contractors to collect an undetermined number of crabs in late spring. A biomedical company extracted the animal's blue blood at a laboratory in Charleston and returned it to the ocean.

The blood - which can cost around $60,000 - is used in vaccines and medical devices to detect deadly toxins.

Environmental groups have raised concerns and taken them to court that they not only harm horseshoe crabs but also threaten wildlife that feed on the crabs' eggs. For example knotweed birds. endangered

Although the Fish and Wildlife Service has previously denied catch requests on a case-by-case basis, this proposal to end all horseshoe crab production altogether is even more meaningful, said Katherine Wanamir, senior attorney at the Southern Environmental Law Center. .

"It's common that they don't allow that in the sanctuary and we think that's the right thing for the birds and horseshoe crabs," Wanmer said.

In August 2021, the agency began applying for special use permits from parties interested in prospecting or conducting commercial activities, including lobster harvesting, within Cape Romine's boundaries.

Earlier, a federal judge barred Charles River Labs from collecting horseshoe crabs from the sanctuary until the case was ruled in May 2021. The lab appealed and the Fourth Circuit invalidated it, which was upheld by a federal appeals court.

Federal Wildlife Agency canceled an attempt by a contractor, Charles River Labs, to harvest horseshoe crabs in Cape Roman last year.

In some areas, the state denied collection requests.

Last year, DNR considered granting the company a special permit to harvest crab on restricted islands in the ACE Basin south of Charleston. But the organization decided so.

This fort encompasses the Ashepu, Kombehi and Edisto rivers and is revered for protecting vast public and private property. DNR spokeswoman Erin Weeks said horseshoe crab harvesting is banned on many islands unless specified in a harvest permit.

Weeks said they have not received any DNR approval applications this year.

Nighttime crab foraging on beaches involves large flocks of birds that are devastating the area, according to the Fish and Wildlife Service.

The size of Cape Roma's crab crop isn't officially known, but law enforcement removed 25,000 crabs from the sanctuary during spawning season and more than 3,000 at night, according to the Compliance Assessment Project.

Charles River spokesman Sam Jorgensen said the company has worked closely with DNR to manage the annual harvest and release of horseshoe crabs for nearly 40 years. You must comply with state and federal regulations.

"We will continue to work with all regulatory bodies to ensure our process protects and protects horseshoe cancer," Jorgensen said in an email, adding that the animal blood product protects and protects patients worldwide.

Jorgensen did not say whether the Charles River Fish and Wildlife Service intends to appeal or withdraw.

The proposal is far from final and can still be commented on. The public can view and comment on the draft until April 11th. Comments may be sent to CapeRomain@fws.gov and mailed to Cape Roman National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters at 5801 Highway 17 North, Awendaw, SC 29429.

It is unclear when the draft will be ready. A spokesman for the Fish and Wildlife Service did not respond to multiple comments.