Red Alert for the Red Knot

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Dear T., Last Call to Help Save the Red Knot This unique shore bird may disappear forever if officials don't do the right thing quickly. You can help by sending a message now. Forward this message to all bird lovers you know... Next week, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) will decide the fate of the red knot, a unique shorebird whose very survival is threatened. If officials don’t act quickly, our country could lose this amazing bird forever. Send an e-mail now and help save the red knot. Urge the Commission to approve its proposed two-year moratorium on the horseshoe crab commercial bait fishery. We’ve written to you before about the red knot's plight, and your contributions so far have been phenomenal. Wildlife supporters like you have contributed thousands of letters, phone calls, and e-mails in support of the red knot. Now the red knot's moment of truth is fast approaching and we desperately need your help again. This robin-sized shorebird travels from as far south as the tip of South America to the Canadian Arctic each spring to produce and raise its offspring. To make the last leg of its spectacular journey, it depends on the fat-rich eggs of horseshoe crabs laid on the beaches of Delaware Bay Unfortunately, overfishing of horseshoe crabs has created a shortage in the crab eggs red knot's need to survive their migration. Scientists predict that the red knot could go extinct as soon as 2010! ASMFC has now proposed a solution to address the red knot’s alarming situation: a two-year ban on the commercial harvesting of horseshoe crag eggs. This ban will provide a much needed “time out” for the red knot and give scientists and other officials more time to find a solution to the red knot crisis. Help us end a loud, clear message to ASMFC members that they ought to support the two-year ban and give the red know a second chance for survival. Public comments are due MONDAY, APRIL 17, so please send your message today. Thanks for your continued support of imperiled critters like the red knot. Without people like you, our nation’s great wildlife heritage would be at great risk. With your help, we can prevent this special bird from becoming extinct. Sincerely, Claudia Tejada Riley National E-Advocacy Associate Defenders of Wildlife Privacy policy | Contact Us | Donate | Defenders Home

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