Biologists Asking Citizen Scientists to Help Track Horseshoe Crabs

Spring is peak horseshoe crab mating season here in Florida, and although they’ve existed for about 450-million years, little is known about local populations. A few years ago the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Fish & Wildlife Research Institute -- along with the University of Florida -- launched a citizen science initiative to get trained volunteers to help biologists track nesting horseshoe crab populations. That program, which targeted key areas along the coast where horseshoe crabs are known to spawn, has since expanded, and now the FWC is encouraging people all over the state to download its smartphone app to help scientists target spawning beaches. We're joined by FWC crustacean biologist Claire Crowley to learn more.