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Horseshoe Crab Field Data Collection Protocol

Data collection procedures.
- Site selection criteria
  - Area of beach must be free of structures
  - Data collection area is 10 yard wide and measures from the edge of the surf line.
- Count only Horseshoe Crabs in the defined study area
  - Count Horseshoe Crabs with any part of the Prosoma within the study area.
  - Do Not Count Horseshoe Crabs with only their telson in the study area.
- Measure the Prosoma across the compound eyes with the Horseshoe Crab right side up. See here for a drawing describing where the measurement should be taken.
- Use the field reporting form available at HSCLI.org to record all data.
  - All fields except for GPS Coordinates must be filled in.
- A defined 150 yard data collection area
  - Using a 50 yard measured cord with stakes on each end. Place one stake in the sand 10 yard from the surf line this defines the beginning of the study area.
  - Play out the line as you walk along the beach counting all Horseshoe Crabs within the study area.
  - Place the other end in the sand 10 yard from the surf line marking the end of the first counting zone.
  - Walk back through the counting zone and determine the sex and Prosoma measurements of as many of the Horseshoe Crabs as possible remove the first stake and return to the second stake.
  - Walk the cord out from the second stake 10 yard from the surf line place the first stake in the sand this marks the beginning of the second counting zone.
  - Play out the line as you walk along the beach counting all Horseshoe Crabs within the study area.
  - Place the other end in the sand 10 yard from the surf line marking the end of the first counting zone and the end of the study area.
  - Walk back through the second counting zone and determine the sex and Prosoma measurements of as many of the Horseshoe Crabs as possible.
- Please take photos of the Horseshoe Crabs on the beach mating groups and single Horseshoe Crab shots
- Data Reporting
  - Two Methods
    1. Fill in the on-line data form at HSCLI.org and email any pictures to HSCLI@Dowling.edu
    2. Mail the field data form and any photos to
      Dr. John T. Tanacredi
      Chairman, Department of Earth and Marine Sciences
      Dowling College
      Idle Hour Blvd
      Oakdale, New York 11769