The red knot population has plummeted as the eggs have become more scarce. Environmental groups and state officials say it could go extinct by 2010.
The ban is opposed by fishermen who harvest horseshoe crabs to use as bait. They say global warming and habitat destruction may actually be to blame for the birds' diminishing numbers.
The Assembly approved the ban last week, and it now goes to Gov. Jon Corzine to be signed into law.
