May 2022 — Horseshoe Crab Blood and Medicine
Much has been written about the horseshoe crab, Delaware’s official marine animal, including their importance as a food source for migratory birds. But did you know about the life-saving qualities of horseshoe crab blood, which contains a unique protein that can be used to detect bacterial poisons? According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA):
Horseshoe crabs have blue, copper-based blood, which quickly clots in the presence of bacterial toxins. Medical researchers use it to test intravenous drugs, vaccines, and medical devices, ensuring that they are free of bacterial contamination.
Almost a half-million crabs are harvested for blood extraction each year. As NOAA Fisheries points out, “because 10 to 15 percent of the harvested crabs die during this process, scientists are working to develop alternatives to using horseshoe crab blood for these tests.”
To learn more about horseshoe crab blood, check out the May 2022 episode of SeaTalk.
Notable Dates in May
May 10 — Americans eat more shrimp than any other seafood, so it’s only right that they have their time to shine on National Shrimp Day. For more facts and resources on healthy seafood consumption, including shrimp, visit our Seafood Health Facts page.
May 14 — The mantra of World Migratory Bird Day is “Birds Connect Our World.” To learn how to implement conservation actions that help migratory birds throughout their journey—including shorebirds—visit the official resources page.
May 18 — International Museum Day is an annual celebration of boundless curiosity, where participating museums plan creative events and activities, engage with their public and highlight the importance of the role of museums in society. For more information, visit the official Museum Day webpage.
May 28 — Mark your calendars for the annual Horseshoe Crab & Shorebird Festival, returning on May 28th in downtown Milton. We'll be collaborating on a virtual scavenger hunt—check the official festival page for details.