Horseshoe crabs have existed for more than 450 million years, long before dinosaurs, and yet today their survival is being threatened not by natural forces but by human decisions we can change.

Despite clear warnings about population declines and increasing threats, the Trump administration chose to deny Endangered Species Act protections for horseshoe crabs. This decision ignores the growing body of scientific concern and puts not only these ancient creatures at risk, but also the coastal ecosystems and communities that depend on them.

Horseshoe crabs are not just a single species struggling to survive. They are a cornerstone of coastal life. Their eggs feed migratory shorebirds like the red knot, whose survival depends on this food source during one of the longest migrations on Earth. Their presence supports marine ecosystems that sustain fisheries and local economies across the Atlantic and Gulf coasts.

At the same time, overharvesting continues, from their use as fishing bait to their role in biomedical testing, despite the availability of modern alternatives. As pressures increase, so does the risk to coastal livelihoods tied to healthy oceans, including fishing industries and tourism.

This is not about politics. It is about responsibility. When science points to a serious decline, and when the consequences ripple through ecosystems and economies alike, leaders have a duty to act.

We call on the National Marine Fisheries Service and the U.S. Department of Commerce, under the Trump administration, to reverse this decision and grant horseshoe crabs the protections they urgently need under the Endangered Species Act.

Protecting horseshoe crabs means protecting coastal communities, safeguarding marine ecosystems, and honoring our responsibility to future generations. We still have time to act, but only if we choose to listen to the science and act before it is too late.