Researchers say the expanded census program is building on the success of previous volunteer surveys. Dr. Hall continues to coordinate the survey effort. "The census attracts a lot of dedicated volunteers, people who are not biologists," says Dr. Smith. "It's great to see this kind of interest."

Additional volunteers are needed to assist biologists in counting horseshoe crabs during night-time high tides. Interested persons should contact Ms. Benjie Swan at 609-465-6552 or Dr. Bill Hall at 302-645-4253, bhall@udel.edu. More information about the project can be found online at ael.er.usgs.gov/groups/stats/Limulus/

The horseshoe crab research is one of several projects supported this year under the USGS State Partnership Program. Cooperators include the New Jersey Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife; the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife; and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The State Partnership Program is a competitive funding initiative that seeks to foster collaboration among scientists and resource managers from States, Tribes, the USGS, and other Department of Interior agencies.

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Contact: Gaye Farris
gaye_farris@usgs.gov
703-648-4283
United States Geological Survey
8-Jun-1999