We would like to thank everyone for your participation at the workshop!

Welcome Messages 

MESSAGE FROM ORGANISING CHAIRPERSON
The Nature Society Singapore is delighted to welcome everyone to the 5th IUCN International Horseshoe Crab Workshop on the science and conservation of horseshoe crabs, to be held in Singapore on 19-23 June 2024.  The NSS is honoured to be hosting this event in conjunction with the IUCN Species Survival Commission Horseshoe Crab Specialist Group.
This 5th IUCN HSC Workshop, although delayed by the covid-19 pandemic, follows on the tradition of previous workshops in Guangxi, China (4th, 2019), Sasebo, Japan (3rd, 2015), Hong Kong (2nd, 2011) and New York (1st, 2007).  It is not by coincidence that these workshops have been held at locations within the spawning range of the world’s 4 extant “living fossil” horseshoe crab species.
We hope delegates and participants at the 5th IUCN HSC Workshop will quickly make up for lost time, discuss science, share ideas and formulate conservation plans to better protect and preserve horseshoe crabs, especially our three Asian species, namely the tri-spine horseshoe crab (Tachypleus tridentatus) which is endangered, and the coastal horseshoe crab (Tachypleus gigas) and mangrove horseshoe crab (Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda) which are listed as data deficient.

We have invited keynote speakers to present on the most urgent aspects of horseshoe crab conservation, and welcome many oral and poster presentations from our delegates. We have added breakout discussion sessions to formulate clear and practical conservation plans during the workshop. The main 5th IUCN HSC workshop venue will be held at the Resorts World Convention Centre at Resorts World Sentosa, but off-site meetings and field trips to experience Singapore’s flora and fauna, are also part of the programme.

We look forward to personally meeting all speakers, delegates and participants in June 2024, as this is not just an opportunity for the sharing of ideas, but also for the forging of friendships. So save the date and spread the word about the 5th IUCN HSC Workshop 2024!
Dr Yeo Seng Beng
President, Nature Society Singapore
Organising Co-Chairperson, 5th IUCN HSC Workshop
MESSAGE FROM THE IUCN SSC HORSESHOE CRAB SPECIALIST GROUP
We are excited to join with the Nature Society Singapore in hosting the Fifth International Workshop on the Science and Conservation of Horseshoe Crabs.  ​
Seventeen years ago, in June 2007, the first International Symposium on the Science and Conservation of Horseshoe Crabs was held on Long Island, New York. That meeting laid the foundation for International Workshops held in Hong Kong (2011), Japan (2015), and China (2019), and stimulated highly productive international collaborations and scientific publications. 

​​The IUCN Horseshoe Crab Specialist Group was established in 2012 to give a central voice to the challenges faced by the four living species of horseshoe crabs. These animals face multiple concerns, including the deterioration of their essential habitats in the human-dominated coastal landscape and the threats posed by sea level rise. Some horseshoe crab populations are further imperiled by excessive fishing, which is largely unregulated in some portions of their ranges. However, on the positive side, we have seen increasing interest in horseshoe crab conservation worldwide, and the engagement of a growing number of scientists, students, conservationists and members of the public in research and educational programs.
 
Singapore, our host nation, is home to two of the three Asian horseshoe crab species, the mangrove horseshoe crab (Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda) and coastal horseshoe crab (Tachypleus gigas). Nature Society Singapore is a champion in the public education and conservation of Asian horseshoe crabs, leading volunteer groups to rescue horseshoe crabs trapped in abandoned fishing nets, and participating in the cleanup and restoration of mangrove habitats along Singapore’s coastline.
 
This year’s meeting will feature exciting Keynote Speakers and oral and poster presentations on all aspects of horseshoe crab biology, conservation, and public education. Unlike typical scientific meetings, our conference also reserves significant blocks of time for facilitated discussions, and this year, our main theme will be the development of a Conservation Action Plan for Asian Horseshoe Crabs. We invite you to submit an abstract for presentation at our meeting, and to contribute your expertise to the Conservation Action Plan Workshop.
 
We hope that you will enjoy our conference and delight in the vibrant culture of our host nation of Singapore.
Dr. Mark L. Botton, Co-Chair
IUCN SSC Horseshoe Crab Specialist Group                   
[email protected]
 
Dr. Paul K. S. Shin, Co-Chair
IUCN SSC Horseshoe Crab Specialist Group
[email protected]
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Getting to Resort World Convention Centre
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Important Dates
Travel Grant Application: 
22 March 2024 (CLOSED)

Abstracts Submission:
07 April 2024 (CLOSED)

​Student Hostel Accommodation:
31 March 2024
(No vacancy as of 29 April)

Online Registration Deadline
15 June 2024

Congratulations to Mr Thomas CARMICHAEL for winning the 'Best Student Poster Presentation' award!
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Photo of Mr Carmichael, winner of the award, together with the co-author of the book 'Singapore Waters', Mr Leong Kwok Peng.