Assessing shoreline dynamics and human impacts on horseshoe crab habitats along the Balasore coast, India

Abstract

The decline of horseshoe crab (HSC) habitats is a major global concern, driven by both natural and anthropogenic factors. HSCs are harvested for their blood, which contains amebocytes used to prepare Limulus amebocyte lysate—a crucial reagent for detecting bacterial endotoxins. Additionally, they are used as fishing bait in the United States and as a delicacy in parts of Asia. This study examines the impact of shoreline changes and sea-level rise on HSC habitat decline along the Balasore coast, India, from 1990 to 2020—a period marked by severe cyclones. A multi-method approach was employed, integrating remote sensing, environmental modeling, and cyclone data. Shoreline changes were analyzed using the Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) to evaluate coastal erosion and deposition, while field surveys identified key anthropogenic drivers and socioeconomic conditions affecting HSC habitats. Results reveal a complex interplay between coastal erosion, sea-level rise, and human activities such as construction, habitat disruption, and pollution. Additionally, socioeconomic factors—particularly fishing and urbanization—significantly impact HSC populations. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing targeted conservation strategies to protect HSC habitats and ensure the survival of this ecologically important species.