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Horseshoe crabs have been on this planet for over 400 million years and are a critical part of the ecosystem.

This species, that once roamed the earth with dinosaurs, is now at risk of local extinction.

The population’s decline from harvesting and habitat loss has prompted the creation of the Horseshoe Crab Protection Bill, which if signed into law would ban taking horseshoe crabs from New York’s waterways for commercial and biomedical purposes.

World-renowned conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall has joined in the fight to protect the horseshoe crab.

Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, conservationist and ethologist, wrote in part, “I believe New York has an opportunity to lead in this conservation effort. By signing this bill, you can ensure the survival of the horseshoe crab and the many species that depend on it.”

Steve Silverman, an aquarist at Long Island Aquarium, says the marine arthropod population is threated by fisherman using them as bait and the biomedical industry.

The legislation has been approved by both the state Senate and Assembly and is waiting on the governors’ signature.

The governor’s office declined to comment on this story.