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An Integrative Approach to Horseshoe Crab Multiple Use and Sustainability

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Biology and Conservation of Horseshoe Crabs

Abstract

This chapter is designed as a perspective piece, using personal opinions to further the discussion about horseshoe crab management, a relatively new topic. I argue that horseshoe crab management and the science that management supports has been one-dimensional, focused almost exclusively on the commercial harvest. Fortunately, we can use lessons learned from fisheries management over time to guide us and adapt these lessons specifically to horseshoe crab management. Progress will require the incorporation of concepts including precautionary management, integrated assessments, cumulative impacts, and ecosystem-based management as we move beyond resource conservation to sustainable resource utilization.

Opinions expressed in this chapter are those of the author and not necessarily those of the National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, or any agency.

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Acknowledgments

I would like to thank the organizers of the symposium and the editors of the book for inviting me to participate. Dr. Eric Hallerman, Dr. Stephen Smith, Alex Chester, Michelle Davis, and the editors provided extremely helpful comments on earlier drafts.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, Recruiting, Training, and Research Unit at Virginia Tech, 114 Cheatham Hall, Blacksburg, VA, 24061-0321, USA

    Jim Berkson

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  1. Jim Berkson
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Correspondence to Jim Berkson .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. Earth & Marine Sciences, Dowling College, Long Island, 11769-1999, USA

    John T. Tanacredi

  2. Dept. Natural Sciences, Fordham University, West 60th St. 113, New York, 10023, U.S.A.

    Mark L. Botton

  3. Leetown Science Center, Aquatic Ecology Lab., US Geological Survey, Leetown Rd. 11649, Kearneysville, 25430, U.S.A.

    David Smith

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Berkson, J. (2009). An Integrative Approach to Horseshoe Crab Multiple Use and Sustainability. In: Tanacredi, J., Botton, M., Smith, D. (eds) Biology and Conservation of Horseshoe Crabs. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-89959-6_24

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