Horseshoe crabs are an important part of the ecology of coastal communities. During the nesting season, especially in the Mid-Atlantic States, horseshoe crab eggs become the major food source for migrating birds. Over 50% of the diet of many shorebird species consists of horseshoe crab eggs. Many bird species in Florida have been observed feeding on horseshoe crab eggs. In addition, many fish species rely on horseshoe crab eggs for food. Horseshoe crabs are currently exploited in three industries: the bait fishery, the marine live fishery, and the biomedical industry. Horseshoe crabs are used extensively as bait in the American eel and whelk fisheries along many parts of the Atlantic coast. The marine life fishery collects live horseshoe crabs
