NJAS Opinion: May, 2005

by Eric Stiles

On Thursday, June 2, 2005 I stood among the global giants of shorebird scientists.  Experts from three continents briefed the New Jersey and Delaware Congressional delegation on the fate of the Red Knot rufa subspecies; the population is projected to be at or near extinction by 2010, absent bold action – an immediate moratorium on the harvest of Horseshoe Crabs and emergency federal listing of the Red Knot rufa subspecies.  2005 Red Knot counts from Tierra del Fuego continue to support the 2010 extinction model published by leading ornithologists from 4 continents.

The Delaware Bay, once one of the top four shorebird stopover sites in the world, is imploding.  The 2005 Horseshoe Crab egg density count is the lowest ever recorded.  Red Knot declines are the most drastic among shorebirds worldwide; and Red Knots now have the dubious honor of being one of the most endangered animals in the United States.  Some give the Ivory-billed Woodpecker a better chance of survival. 

To make matters more troubling, Red Knots are the proverbial canary in the coal mine.  Findings suggest that other shorebird species, like Ruddy Turnstones and Semipalmated Sandpiper, are facing similar declines. 

Decision-makers at the state and federal level have the information needed to take immediate conservation actions.  I am an optimist by nature, but the fate (and blood) of this species rests in their hands. 

They will either deserve praise for their bold actions or vile condemnation for destroying one of the most amazing natural gems in the world. 

Click here to read a letter (in PDF format) that we sent with our coalition partners to Acting Governor Codey.  Similar letters have been sent to other state and federal leaders.

Hopefully, this column will serve as a tribute and not a requiem for the Delaware Bay.