From Out of the Past - Part XV

            The issues, however, have not all been resolved.  In the early part of the 21st century a substantial decline in populations of migrating shorebirds was reported.  Some studies indicated that these birds were not gaining sufficient weight (they are heavily dependent on horseshoe crabs eggs for their sustenance) during their migration stopover along the Delaware Bay and could not successfully complete their journey and eventually breed.  Other studies conducted in both the Arctic and South American ranges of shorebirds showed a significant decline in viable populations.             
            Surveys in the Delaware Bay indicated a stable population of horseshoe crabs, but a population that is also subject to the pressures of several environmental factors over which humans have no regulatory or legislative control.  Crab populations were good, but shorebird populations were not.  Questions arose - not easily answered questions - about the connections between the two populations.  How does one influence the other?  And to what extent?  How are they interrelated, interconnected, intertwined?
            As you will discover in Chapter 8, the birds are dependent on the crabs for a significant portion of their ability to survive.  The crabs are partially dependent on the actions and practices of humans for their overall survival.  It would be safe to say that the connections and interrelationships are tenuous, fragile, and evolutionary.  The results of any mandates or legislation, on the other hand, may be permanent and irrevocable.  Simply stated, there are many stakeholders up and down the line.  It is conceivable that Mother Nature will be the final arbiter – irrespective of what we want.
            Suffice it to say, horseshoe crabs have been around for a very long time and they have proven themselves to be a most useful species – for humans as well as other organisms.  It remains to be seen whether the crabs will be able to continue their multi-faceted role in the decades and centuries to come.