A4997

Assembly Bill 4997, sponsored by Assemblymember Glick and amending the Environmental Conservation Law, was laid aside during Senate floor consideration at the request of Sen. Lanza. The bill did not receive a vote.

The New York State Senate passed legislation Wednesday banning biomedical harvesting of horseshoe crabs, with a 43-16 vote. Assembly Bill 4997 prohibits the harvesting of horseshoe crabs for biomedical purposes while allowing limited scientific harvesting. Supporters argued New York's horseshoe crab population is in dramatic decline compared to other Mid-Atlantic states and that the state is the only one rated "poor" by the Atlantic States Commission for controlling excessive harvesting. Sen. Ryan emphasized that most horseshoe crabs harvested in New York are used as bait in fish traps, not for biomedical purposes, and highlighted the ecological importance of horseshoe crab eggs as the only food source for red knot birds migrating from South America. However, Sen. Ashby opposed the measure, arguing it is short-sighted given that horseshoe crab blood is essential for developing vaccines and medical therapies, including the COVID-19 vaccine. Ashby questioned why the bill completely bans biomedical harvesting rather than implementing a moratorium or numerical limit, and suggested a carveout for biomedical purposes. Gianaris countered that abundant horseshoe crab supplies exist in Delaware for biomedical purposes. Sixteen senators voted against the measure, primarily from the Republican conference.