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HORSESHOE CRAB MOON looks at the decline of horseshoe crabs and the crash of the red knot that depends on horseshoe crab eggs for sustenance during migration, and suggests possible solutions.
HORSESHOE CRAB MOON follows scientists, researchers and citizen scientists who are studying the decline of the horseshoe crab along the East coast, and in particular the Delaware Bay. Horseshoe crab numbers have been declining rapidly over the last few decades due to the downturn in the Delaware Bay's water quality, and the over-harvesting of horseshoe crabs for bait. The film also looks at the resulting crash of the red knot, a globe-trotting sandpiper, which depends on horseshoe crabs eggs for sustenance during its incredible migrations. The number of migrating red knots has dropped nearly 80% in the last few years.
The film also tells the inspiring story of the scientists and field biologists' successful efforts to connect an ancient ecosystem with the interconnected relationship of the moon, tides, horseshoe crabs and sandpipers. Diligent data collection and scientific documentation is used to understand the interdependence of these populations, and guide the most effective way that scientists and the public can help in reinvigorating the horseshoe crab and red knot populations and restoring the health of the bay.
48 minutes
SDH Captioned
Directed by Mitchell Smith
Produced by MediaSmith Films
Original Musical Score: Alec Smith, Mitchell Smith
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"HORSESHOE CRAB MOON details an interesting and important story that will be of interest to many people. It is both beautifully filmed and the serious conservation issues are accurately portrayed."
"HORSESHOE CRAB MOON depicts the complex nature of the interaction between horseshoe crabs and red knots along Delaware Bay. It highlights the importance of horseshoe crabs and how this animal sits within its ecosystem. This is an especially informative documentary educating the community in general as it presents a complex story in a very approachable manner."
Dr. Russell Bicknell, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England - Australia
"HORSESHOE CRAB MOON presents high-level material very clearly, but more importantly shows these creatures to be the magical, essential part of the world they are and shows the humanity and compassion that will be needed to change what's happening."
"HORSESHOE CRAB MOON is a tremendous resource that provides insight into one of the great wildlife wonders of the world; the spawning of horseshoe crabs in Delaware Bay, the migration of the federally threatened Red Knot and other shorebird species, and the interconnectedness of these two distinct phenomena. The film presents exceptional scientific expertise by the researchers that are globally recognized for their work on the conservation of horseshoe crabs and migratory shorebirds. Its potential to educate and enlighten both school age children and adults about the natural world and how science underpins efforts to conserve wildlife cannot be overstated."
"HORSESHOE CRAB MOON beautifully documents the tragic decline of two of the planet's greatest wonders - the extraordinary migration of the rufa red knot, one of the longest in the animal kingdom, and the annual spawning of millions of horseshoe crabs in Delaware Bay, which provides the primary food to fuel this incredible journey. This film is a must-watch for understanding what's at stake in the ongoing extinction crisis we're living through."
Noah Greenwald, Endangered Species Director, Center for Biological Diversity
"This skillfully told powerful film tells the story of one of the most endangered birds in the world and the web of life across continents. Although the decline of the red knot is heartbreaking, this documentary makes clear that it doesn't have to become a victim of the extinction crisis we are creating. Human actions are driving its decline and our actions can save it."
Tierra Curry, Senior Scientist, Center for Biological Diversity