[BCNnet] Red Knot Action Alert

[donniebird at yahoo.com]

BCN friends -

 

The following is self explanatory.  We are in real danger of losing this
bird and if you could take a minute and drop an email to the Delaware DNR it
could be very helpful.  Thanks much.

 

Donnie Dann

Highland Park, IL

donniebird at yahoo.com

 

 

 

Dear BCA members:

 

For the next week, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources (DENREC)
will receive input that will help decide the fate of horseshoe crabs and Red
Knots in the state. 




This is an opportunity for everyone concerned with the fate of the declining
Red Knot shorebird, to act. 

 

The rufa Red Knot is America's fastest declining shorebird. It migrates from
the tip of South America to breed in the Canadian Arctic each spring. The
only way it can complete this epic journey is to stop in Delaware Bay to
feed on the eggs of horseshoe crabs. But crab numbers have declined
dramatically due to overfishing, and the Red Knot population has crashed as
a result. Experts are predicting the bird will disappear from the Delaware
Bayshore by 2010.  


The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission recently reduced the number
of horseshoe crabs that each state can take. This was an important victory
for the shorebirds, but the commission stopped short of instituting a total
ban on crab take. Scientists believe that as long as horseshoe crabs are
being fished to any degree, the Red Knot will continue to struggle. It is
now up to the states to decide if they go further and each institute a total
moratorium on crab harvest. New Jersey has already initiated such a
moratorium; Delaware should now the same.


Send an email today asking DENREC to instigate "Option 2," a total
moratorium on the take of horseshoe crabs for two years. "Option 1," a cap
of 100,000 crabs, is insufficient to enable dwindling populations of both
crabs and knots to recover. The deadline for action is 4:30pm on October
3rd. Written comments should be addressed to Roy Miller, via email to
<mailto:roy.miller at state.de.us> roy.miller at state.de.us by October 3, 2006.

 

BCA member organizations National Audubon Society, American, New Jersey
Audubon, American Bird Conservancy and Defenders of Wildlife have been
working on this issue and urge you to send an e-mail today to help the Red
Knot!


Contact Perry Plumart at 202-234-7181 or pplumart at abcbirds.org with any
questions.

 

Text below is a sample of a suggested e-mail to send: 


To Whom It May Concern,

The rufa Red Knot is America's fastest declining shorebird. It once numbered
in excess of 150,000 birds, but is now heading towards extinction. The knot
migrates up the Atlantic Coast each spring on an epic journey to its
breeding grounds in northern Canada. In order to complete this flight it
must stop over in Delaware Bay to feed on horseshoe crab eggs. The bird
relies on an over-abundance of crab eggs to sustain the population, but in
recent years, horseshoe crab numbers have dwindled due to overfishing.
Without sufficient food, the Red Knot has also plummeted. 

Although the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has reduced the
maximum allowable horseshoe crab take for all states, scientists believe
that as long as horseshoe crabs are harvested to any degree, the Red Knot
will continue to struggle. It is now up to DENREC to ensure that the state
of Delaware is not contributing towards the extinction of the rufa Red Knot.
New Jersey has already instigated a moratorium. Delaware can and must do the
same. 

When you meet to consider the options before you, I urge you to choose
Option 2 , a total moratorium on the harvest of horseshoe crabs for two
years. The science is clear and compelling. Option 1 will be insufficient in
fully protecting the Red Knot. 

Sincerely,

 

Alicia Frances Craig
Director, Bird Conservation Alliance
American Bird Conservancy

 

 

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