Horseshoe crabs and moonlit beaches, not a typical romantic evening--why not make it scientific?

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) needs public help in identifying beaches across the state that exhibit horseshoe crabs spawning. Prime time for horseshoe-crab spawning is around high tide, right before or after a full or new moon. The full moon on March 12 and similar conditions on March 13 create excellent conditions for viewing the crabs. (The next full moon is April 10.)

FWC biologists ask that observers mark down the number of horseshoe crabs seen and whether the horseshoe crabs are mating; date, time, location and habitat conditions; and, if possible, how many crabs are coupled and how many are juveniles (less than 4 inches wide).

To turn in your data, go to Research.myFWC.com and fill out an online survey; e-mail findings to horseshoe@MyFWC.com; or call the FWC at (866) 252-9326.