Taiwan's Conservation Efforts: 2,000 Horseshoe Crabs Released in Penghu

Marking International Horseshoe Crab Day, Taiwan reinforces its commitment to protecting the ancient "living fossil."

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – In a significant move for marine conservation, the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries Research Institute released 2,000 tri-spine horseshoe crabs into the waters off Penghu, Taiwan, on Friday. This initiative underscores the country's commitment to supporting the recovery of this ancient species in the wild.

The release coincided with International Horseshoe Crab Day and is a continuation of a conservation program that began in 2006, as reported by CNA. The institute has been regularly releasing captive-bred horseshoe crabs into suitable coastal habitats since the program's inception.

The tri-spine horseshoe crab, often referred to as a "living fossil," has existed for over 400 million years. Its blue blood is medically significant due to its unique ability to detect bacterial toxins.

However, the species faces escalating threats from overfishing, habitat loss, and its slow reproduction rates. The International Union for Conservation of Nature currently classifies the tri-spine horseshoe crab as endangered and includes it on its Red List.

The Fisheries Research Institute noted that these horseshoe crabs inhabit shallow, sandy seafloors. Females typically are larger than males, and males are often seen clinging to the backs of females, which has led to the local nickname “couple fish” or “lover fish.”

The institute has successfully domesticated wild tri-spine horseshoe crabs and developed captive breeding techniques. They also hold the world record for the longest-lived horseshoe crab raised in captivity, at 16 years.

To further safeguard the species, fishing for horseshoe crabs is prohibited in Kinmen and Lienchiang counties. The Penghu County government also banned horseshoe crab harvesting in 2022, with exceptions for research, education, and resource assessment purposes.

The long maturation period of the horseshoe crab presents a conservation challenge. Males require approximately 13 years and 16 molts to reach sexual maturity, while females take about 14 years and 17 molts.