New London― The mass of dead horseshoe crabs that washed up near the state boat launch in New London last week were likely dumped there, according to state environmental officials.

On August 12, staff from the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection were called to New London to investigate reports that more than 50 of the 10-legged marine arthropods had washed up south of the boat launch. A young boy posted a video of the find on Facebook.

DEEP staff came to New London that day and determined that the horseshoe crabs were likely dumped there and not the result of a die off, given there were no other dead species observed in the area, said DEEP spokesman Will Healey.

Horseshoe crabs are used as bait in certain commercial fishing operations but Healey said the specific reason for them being dumped is not known.

DEEP reminds the public that littering and dumping on public lands or in water bodies is prohibited under state law.