Massachusetts is implementing new regulations to protect horseshoe crabs, which play a key role in drug and device safety, the Portland Press Herald reported March 19.
The Massachusetts Marine Fisheries Advisory Commission approved measures to limit the harvesting of female crabs during spawning season.
The population of horseshoe crabs has decreased in recent years, primarily due to their extensive use as bait by fishing crews and in biomedical manufacturing. Drug and devicemakers use the crabs' blue blood to test vaccines, intravenous drugs and implantable medical devices for toxic bacteria.
Gov. Maura Healey is expected to approve the new regulation in the coming months.