Volunteers needed for horseshoe crab watch

PUNTA GORDA — Volunteers are needed to help collect information on mating horseshoe crabs in Charlotte Harbor for the Florida Horseshoe Crab Watch.

The UF/IFAS Extension Florida Sea Grant Charlotte County is seeking help to collect information on the horseshoe crab population.

Information collected will be used by the the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to create population health assessments and movement models.

“Florida Horseshoe Crab Watch methods involve a beach survey, documenting tagged animals, and tagging and measuring new animals,” the news release stated. “Individuals or groups may sign up for any number of surveys that fit their schedule.”

Those new to volunteering are asked to attend in-person training before their first survey. Online instructional videos can be viewed by repeat volunteers, or those who can’t come to training.

“Previously, surveys took place at Bayshore Live Oak Park, but beginning September 2024 surveys will commence at Ponce de Leon Park in Punta Gorda, made possible by the support of the Peace River Wildlife Center,” the news release said.

To register, visit ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1LFzJ2tJihtRLvw