Turtles

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Diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) inhabit brackish water marshes along the east and gulf coasts of the US. For over a decade, scientists have been documenting local terrapin population declines and evidence suggests that fisheries-related mortalities due to crab pot bycatch may be a major cause of this decline. The 2004 NC Blue Crab Fishery Management Plan states that data on terrapin population distribution and habitat utilization is necessary in order to design effective regulations to minimize interactions between terrapins and crab pots. The primary goal of this study was to use telemetry and remote monitoring to assess the potential for spatial and temporal overlap between terrapin habitat and crab fishing efforts in southeastern NC. From June 2008 to June 2009, I used radio telemetry to track the seasonal movements and activity patterns of terrapins in Middle and Masonboro Sounds, NC. In September 2009, I initiated a terrapin population assessment and telemetry study on Bald Head Island, NC. These waters serve as important habitat for both terrapins and blue crabs and there have been reports of incidental captures and mortalities of terrapins in crab pots set in these regions. In conjunction with radio telemetry, I used micro-dataloggers to continuously monitor carapace temperatures of terrapins, as well as environmental temperatures. Temperature recordings provided detailed information on daily and seasonal patterns of habitat use and activity. In addition to addressing a fundamental management need with regards to mitigating interactions between terrapins and blue crab fisheries, my study provides novel information regarding the basic biology and life history of terrapins in southeastern NC.

- Tom Hancock, Director of Conservation, BHIC