A rapid survey of the east coast of India was carried out during December 2005-January 2006 to determine the occurrence, status and quantum of exploitation, if any, of the horseshoe crabs. Based on the findings of this survey, a detailed repeat survey was carried out during May-June 2006. During the above two field surveys, the entire coastline of Orissa including coastal Protected Areas and stretches of southern West Bengal (WB) and northern Andhra Pradesh (AP) were surveyed. Secondary informations were collected on the occurrence of horseshoe crabs by interviewing fisherfolks and villagers and by distributing questionnaire postcards for forwarding information from their locality. This was followed by a survey of river mouths ,mudflats and mangrove areas for evidence of horseshoe crabs and signs of their nesting.

The surveys have confirmed the occurrence of two species Tachypleus gigas and Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda along the coastal stretch of WB, Orissa and AP. The estuarine river mouths along with the mangrove detritus laden mudflats are found to be the potential breeding sites of the horseshoe crabs along the east coast of India. Though Orissa coast is reported to be the major breeding ground of the horseshoe crab, except for the 35 km of the Gahirmatha coast in the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, other important nesting sites of horseshoe crabs such as Balaramgadi, Chandipur, Hukitola etc. are not protected and requires some form of protection atleast during the breeding season. There was trade of horseshoe crabs from Orissa in the past to WB and other areas, but it is no more in practice now. Though exploitation of horseshoe crabs was not recorded, considering the importance of horseshoe crabs for production of Lysate for bio-medical use, all species of horseshoe crabs may be considered to be placed in appropriate schedule of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act.

After the completion of the proposed third round of survey in September 2006 , a comprehensive report will be submitted to the MoEF, GOI for implementation of suitable conservation measures including possible placement of different species of horseshoe crabs in the appropriate schedule of the IWPA.