INTERVIEW OF AUGUST 2004, Marguerite Whilden is co-founder of the Terrapin Institute, a non-profit terrapin conservation organization located in Maryland, one of the few states that still allowed unregulated commercial harvesting of the species at the ti

INTERVIEW OF AUGUST 2004, Marguerite Whilden is co-founder of the Terrapin Institute, a non-profit terrapin conservation organization located in Maryland, one of the few states that still allowed unregulated commercial harvesting of the species at the time of the interview. neoTerrapn.com is happy to report that as of 2007, the diamondback terrapin can no longer be harvested commercially in the state of Maryland.

Q1: What is the current status of Maryland's state reptile, the diamondback terrapin?
A: The official state government reply likely would be "UNKNOWN". The terrapin has been listed by the Federal Fish and Wildlife Service as a "Species of Concern". A 1996 Fish and Wildlife Association report recommended the species for special listing by the Federal government. The species is on the Red List. As those in the fisheries field are trained and paid to do, we make educated guesses. I guessed that the terrapin population was at least stressed and in need of investigation. The terrapin has already been driven to near collapse way back when we had 20% of the human population and 99% of the vital habitat. Today, with 5 times the human population; only 20% of the original tidewater shoreline habitat intact; an estuarine system saturated with active and "ghost" fishing gear, poaching and a nine-month harvest season; and an increasing interest in the species for food and export, it is safe to guess that the species might be compromised. Does anyone believe it is increasing or stable? From this hypothesis, the Terrapin Station project set out to prove the status with data. In 2001 my students secured a Congressional allocation to study the Chesapeake terrapin. These funds were provided to a federal agency. The total allocation is estimated to be $550,000. To date under this effort, I am told that approximately 2500 terrapins have been marked. I have no information on the numbers of animals recaptured. Only after a significant effort and number of marked animals are recaptured can there begin to be a "status" estimate. The federal study also identifies nesting beaches and presumably tracks the number of nests. Again, only after several years of observation may a "status" of nesting activity and an estimate of reproductive females be provided. Based on basic biology, the number of market terrapins purchased, observed by-catch mortality and interviews with harvesters, I estimate the status of terrapins in the Chesapeake Bay to be "over-exploited."

Q2: What is the Terrapin Institute and how does it contribute to the welfare of the Diamondback Terrapin?
A: TI is a registered non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of abundant populations of diamondback terrapin and the vital habitats. The name and Research Consortium was established while the conservation program was under the purview of the State of Maryland. Upon the elimination of the State program in July of 2003, TI and the Consortium became a private endeavor. Currently we are funded by private donations and have used all funds to protect the adult population of terrapins. Our most important work is to stop the commercial harvest of wild terrapins. We continue to protect eggs, nesting beaches, and release head-started juveniles under a State-issued scientific collection permit. As chronicled on the website, we are most grateful for the unsolicited support from former governor of Maryland, William Donald Schaefer who has agreed to serve as honorary chairman. Governor Schaefer visited our research site in April 2004 and again asked for State support of our efforts. This year we purchased over 1200 terrapins from the market, head-started over 50 juveniles, and protected 100 eggs. We are preparing legislation for consideration by the 2005 State legislature and will be gathering sponsors over the next month. Our proposal to the legislature is to consider the recommendations of the 2001 Governor's Diamondback Terrapin Task Force and implement a five year harvest moratorium. Donations are greatly appreciated and visitors are always welcome. We were honored this year by a visit from a prominent member of the list (Diamondback Terrapin Group).

Q3: What preparations are required before releasing captive-started terrapins back into the wild? I understand there is some acclimation that must take place---that they can't simply be let go. How long does such a procedure take?
A: Our procedure has been to head-start in captivity for about 8 months, during which time hatchlings are fed prepared food, i.e Zoo-Med pellets work well. Caregivers are encouraged to supplement with natural foods such as worms, shrimp, oysters, snails. Hatchlings appear to do best in small groups of three in a 30 gallon tank. I recommend only a small amount of salt just for conditioning as I have had better growth in fresher water. The one time we used ambient salinity the hatchlings failed to thrive. I believe hatchlings in the wild prefer the fresher tidal marshes. Where I have found abundant nesting there is generally a fresh water stream feeding the tidal marsh. I have read hatchlings do not have full salt processing ability until about one year of age. I do not believe all head-started terrapins require an acclimation period. However, a month prior to the repatriation we have been "hardening" off most of the terrapins for the wild in a flow-through system at the water's edge. Juveniles at this stage are fed razor clams and other Bay seafood extras. They are also acclimated to the salinity of the wild. Almost without exception, once released, the head-started terrapins begin to forage in the sand or mud. The 2001 MPT segment on our efforts captures this behavior very well. I forwarded a photograph to the moderator of one of our most recent repatriots which has been fitted with our tag. The few juveniles (3 years old) I have seen in the wild are less then 3 inches. The head-started terrapins reach that size in just one year. I realize there are concerns about such rapid growth, but I have found no data to confirm the negative impact of such growth. Of approximately 300 released juveniles from my efforts, I have only two documented recaptures of head-started terrapins. These two were recaptured two years after their release.

Q4: What is the 2001 MPT segment?
A: MPT - Maryland Public Television, Outdoors Maryland. It was a 15 minute segment, while I was at the DNR. It featured the public involvement, other researcher work and ended with the head-started terp release. It would be great if they did a follow-up - we have a lot more to report. Our experience would make for a great investigation into the politics of conservation, the new environmental industry, and the "science" in a science-based organization.

Q5: You mentioned releasing 1200 market rescues and 50 head-started terrapins this year alone. Do you think there are any negative ramifications of releasing such a high number of terrapins in one location as opposed to spreading them out over a larger geographic area?
A: Not all rescued terps are released at the same point. We use a modest method for determining how many terps can be released in an area, i.e. amount of natural shoreline, acres of tidal marsh, forage, lack of crab pots, harvest potential, existence of commercial fishing gear. None were released within areas of long-term studies. I believe we chose appropriate locations for release. In addition consider this: last year in one day 800 terrapin were harvested from my study area. This information comes from a reliable source, i.e. the harvester, not DNR landings data. Therefore, at best all I am doing is replacing a fraction of that which is harvested. Head-started terrapins must be released within their natal watershed which should not alter natural recruitment.

Q6: Is it true that the DNR does not allow the release of any terrapins that have been rehabilitated in some form or fashion? If so, how would DNR plan to resuscitate localized populations that have crashed without some kind of captive management program?
A: It is unclear what the MD DNR will allow in this regard. Terrapin and snapping turtle are considered "fish" and fall under Fisheries laws and regulations. All other turtles fall under the Wildlife division. I believe, in general, wild animals held more than 30 days must be evaluated by the DNR wildlife agency and the rehabber must receive permission to release it. The Fisheries agency is a different kettle of fish. Fish and other seafood are routinely cultivated and released. The practice is centuries old. The State's cold water fisheries, i.e. non-tidal recreational fishing, are supported almost entirely by a "put and take" process. The State puts the fish in the stream and sport fishers take them out. To combat a persistent disease and collapse in wild oyster stocks, there is a major effort to raise oyster spat and release it to the wild waters. The stocking of non-native Asian oyster stock is another popular oyster restoration effort which is already being testing in the wild (with sterile stock). A head-start effort has been initiated for blue crabs. Head-starting terrapins for repatriation is a tried and true conservation method and was supported by the Governor's Task Force on Terrapins as a public education effort and to augment the wild stocks. The State certainly could institute a captive breeding, head-start, and release effort with terrapins as they do for oysters, striped bass, ducks, quail, and various other species. Several officials and researchers have expressed doubts about terrapin head-starting, i.e. it is too expensive, there is no evidence that head-starting actually increases wild stocks.and animals raised in captivity may introduce exotic pathogens to the natural system. Yet the basis of most species restoration efforts includes head-starting, sometimes from non-native stock. I do not know why terrapins are believed to be any different. Head-starting terrapins is not a public expense; it is so much fun it might actually raise money for the State. My Scientific Collection Permit requires me to release the head-started terrapins within their native watershed. Any adult terrapins captured by me must be released at the point of capture, after tagging. In my opinion, purchased "seafood", the category under which the market terrapins would fall, becomes privately owned food. Apparently, there are no laws or regulations which specifically address the keeping or release of native food terrapin. Of course, exotic species cannot be released into State waters. Live seafood of a species native to Maryland are frequently released into State waters. I acquire Louisiana oysters which cannot be sold for food and place it near my study site as a food source for terrapins. One of my investigations is to determine the gathering and feeding habitats of terrapins near oyster bars.

Q7: How do you rank the various threats to the diamondback (e.g. harvesting for food, harvesting for pet trade, pollution, disappearance of habitat, disappearance of land--or access to land--suitable for egg laying, traffic deaths).
A: In my opinion, the most urgent threat to the diamondback terrapin is commercial harvest, whether for food or pets. The commercial harvest is the most damaging because in Maryland it targets the most valuable component to sustaining the population, i.e. mature females. The process of commercial harvesting is also damaging to those animals caught as by-catch (or by-kill), small terrapins, many of which may be males, sometime drown while caught in nets or pots. We never see this part of the harvest because it is thrown over, never to be seen again. The commercial harvest is the most practical to address, yet it has been ignored by researchers and conservation efforts of the State. It is nearly impossible to promote a reduction of pollution, by-catch reduction, better land use and improved shoreline preservation for terrapin nesting and hatching while a few harvesters are allowed to take thousands of mature animals. Of course, over-population/development is the big problem, but I don't see any government entity with the ability to control it. It is too powerful and theoretically there is too much economy behind it. So you address those problems that can be addressed. It becomes a philosophical question: what's best - to be harvested for food or for a pet? I wonder what the terrapin would say? In either case, a terrapin taken out of the wild is one less in the wild. The taking, selling or keeping a wild animal is an ethical issue (exceptions are animals which cannot be returned to the wild). Considering the success of captive breeding and the decline of natural recruitment, it seems unethical and awfully bad management to allow the commercial harvest of terrapins for any reason. I hope for a five year moratorium on commercial harvest and sale of terrapins during which time both harvesters and wholesale buyers will be compensated commensurate to that which was earned with harvest. Those who buy for the pet trade may object to this but a moratorium is really the only way to get an accurate assessment of the status of the terrapin in the Chesapeake Bay and save this species. It really is that simple. I don't know of any species which has been brought back from the brink of collapse while being harvested. The lack of habitat is being addressed by ecological restoration which can be quite successful and lucrative for private industry and the terrapin. I have asked for years, what's the point of restoring habitat if there are no animals to use it? Again, its the commercial harvest that must be addressed. As for the mortality caused by traffic, I do not have much information on this. I observed a small stretch of road in Dorchester County in 2000-2001 and discovered that predators often take away the road-kill evidence almost as soon as the terrapin is hit. We have found three road-kill this year near my study site. Most often I see drivers going to great lengths to avoid hitting turtles, at least while someone is watching.

Q8: Crab pots have also been identified as one of the most devastating threats and have the potential to wipe out entire populations locally. Have the turtle excluder devices on crab pots made any discernable difference so far?
A: Wm Roosenburg's information indicates that 82% of the terrapins in his study site would be excluded from a crab pot properly fitted with the correct size of by-catch excluder. The problem is that the excluder may not be on all crab pots used. Also, the crab pot is not the only lethal gear out there; fyke nets used for fin-fish harvest are capable of trapping all size terrapins and are permitted in many river systems. Fyke nets are so effective at catching terrapins that some harvesters pull the nets when the terrapin by-catch becomes too great. Now that the "Charm of the Chesapeake", the terrapin, has fallen from grace, the use of the crab pot excluder may not be promoted as it once was. During my time, the DNR police force was very conscientious and followed up on every concern reported to them. On several occasions the police checked an area and confiscated every pot without an excluder. Terrapins are more abundant where there is less shoreline development and presumably fewer crab pots used by home owners. Of course, that lack of development may be changing. Crab pots, with or without the excluder, make no difference for terrapin conservation in areas that are devoid of terrapins, although the excluder is beneficial at keeping other air-breathing animals out of crab pots. This was one of the components of the Head-Starting Project. Students were reminded that it made no sense to repatriate animals into habitats that were unfit. Therefore, our participating students were well versed in the value of the buy-catch device and contributed to promoting the proper use of the device. Where there are no terrapins, it is difficult to convince the public to use a terrapin by-catch reduction device. However, in areas slated to be restocked with Head-Started terrapins, the public would have much incentive, particularly when confronted by students who lovingly raised and released the animals in their local river system. It takes more than a regulation. The requirement to use the device is on the person who sets the pot. Not all pots sold in Maryland have the by-catch reduction device and property owners are not adequately advised. I believe there is no crab pot license requirement for property owners. We try to keep the by-catch information included in newspaper articles and video tapes for new residents, but you address those problems that can be addressed. It is important to note that in Maryland the crab pot excluder device is required only in those pots set by property owners in the tributaries of the Maryland Chesapeake Bay. Property owners are permitted to set two pots from their property. Due to the by-catch mortality caused by commercial crab pots, since the mid 1940's the use of this fishing gear was limited to the deeper main stem of the Chesapeake. The restriction has been relaxed over the years and some shallow areas are now open to commercial crab potting. However, I believe for the most part, commercial crab potting is limited in areas used most by terrapins.

Q9: Two possible, yet unexplored solutions to the terrapin's problems are:
1) terrapin farming as a long-term solution for the food market's demand for terrapin meat,
2) A wildlife preserve that would ban all commercial and recreational fishing
Please comment on their feasibility.
A: Both are not only feasible, but underway by the Terrapin Institute. This year alone we have restocked the wild with 1200 market terrapins all of which have the TI brand or tag. I see it as a resurrection of good old fashion cattle ranching. Out west, privately owned cattle may graze on federal land and everyone knows not to touch them as they have been purchased, branded, and are private property. I hope the commercial fishing community will have the same regard for the TI terrapins. They have our tag on them and they have already contributed to the economy. They should be left alone. If the commercial fishing industry has a problem with leaving a purchased tagged animal in the wild, then they should not ask for public funding the next time a stock crashes. The farming proposal was actually introduced in the 1990 Draft Diamondback Terrapin Fishery Management prepared by R. Morin of Md DNR. The plan was never adopted, but includes much valuable information and a practical solution to sustaining the terrapin population in the Md Chesapeake. Farming and preserves were also proposed by the 2001 Governor's Diamondback Terrapin Task Force. As we know, we can not predict the politics of conservation, therefore, a private effort with State approval is the best option and would actually save the species and public money. The Severn River is suggested as the preserve, but the habitat is under review to estimate how many terrapins can be supported. Commercial fishing is all but eliminated from the Severn already so the river would serve well as the terrapin sanctuary once the terrapin habitat is restored. As everyone on this list knows, terrapin farming is practical and has been practiced as far back as George Washington's day. Best of all, can you imagine the attraction of a farming operation. Farming has been discussed with international representatives as a means for science and technology exchange as well as reducing the pressure from commercial take. While I would hate to see the farmed terrapins consumed as food, it's worse to have them extracted from the wild for food. The list has provided much guidance on the farming issue.

Q10: Is the Severn currently home to a population of terrapins, and if not, what is it about the Severn that makes it suitable for terrapins other than the elimination of commercial fishery?
A: Currently, the terrapin population in the Severn is nearly extirpated, that is, I have documented only nine nests. Eight nests were identified in 1999 near the confluence of Whitehall Bay/Chesapeake Bay; one in the upper reaches in 2002 across from the Arlington Echo site (the hatchling acclimation site), and four nests again near Whitehall Bay in 2004. I believe that terrapins inhabited the entire tidewater area at one point and adapted accordingly. The Severn geology is steep cliffs interspersed with beaches and salt marsh. Salinity can be 5ppt in the upper reaches. A famous historic structure on an island in the mid-Severn River area has an elaborate brick terrapin pound attached to an equally elaborate mansion, so apparently terrapins were in the area or at least farmed and kept in the area. However, I do not believe the Severn ever supported the huge numbers of terrapins which are known to inhabit the lower Bay counties. Areas near Crisfield, Jane's Island, and Fishing Bay where miles of undisturbed beaches and marshes (without many humans) supported the greatest concentration of Maryland terrapins. The Severn is a reasonable choice for a preserve because of the human population and the hardiness of the terrapin. This area of the state has been the most enthusiastic about bringing back the terrapin, possibly because there is not much nature left. The Mayor of Annapolis has offered to assist. Some community groups in the area have already discussed a complete ban on property owner crab pots. Considering the average waterfront property along the Severn is worth over a million dollars, these owners can afford to restore the shoreline and might have some political influence. Let's hope!

Q11: What percentage of the commercial harvest would you estimate is being released back into the wild by the Terrapin Institute? Has the Institute conducted sufficient research to be able to conclude with reasonable certainty the number of terrapins harvested on an annual basis?
A: An optimistic estimate is that 10% of the commercial harvest from Maryland is salvaged and released. An estimate of the total commercial harvest is anecdotal, based on interviews with watermen, buyers, and dock workers. At present, there are no reliable figures on the numbers of terrapins taken for commercial purposes. Such numbers may never be available unless the regulatory agencies implement a strict management and enforcement system similar to that for striped bass. In the striped bass fishery, each fish was tagged and counted. Every harvester was identified. Fish could be sold only to a select group of buyers qualified by DNR. No fish could be sold or transported without a tag. Now that the striped bass fishery has recovered, the tagging system may have ended. The DNR terrapin harvest records reviewed do not add up, i.e. the harvest numbers are much lower than the buyers' numbers. Since neighboring states do not allow a commercial harvest, it is unlikely that the terrapins are purchased from out of state. Our records of purchased and repatriated terrapins include receipts and a detailed account of every terrapin purchased, both dead and alive. This year about 1200 animals were purchased. An exact number of released animals and mortalities will be available soon. We have a few terrapin remains which need to be recorded and we retain a few buy-back terrapins to document their egg production and fertility. Of those retained, an estimated 90% are gravid from a previous mating season and produce eggs. It is not documented what percentage of those eggs are fertile and produce a hatchling - more on that later in the season. It is difficult to believe that in this day and age, wild live reptiles are permitted to be shipped in the conditions which we have documented. One hundred years ago, during the heyday of the terrapin harvest, there were guidelines for shipment requiring terrapins to be packed in wooden barrels, separated and protected in layers of moist eel grass. The harvest season was allowed only during winter months so that animals would not expire during transport. Today, there are no guidelines. The most important point we make with our buy-back records is that the fisheries-dependent data, i.e. harvest reports, are not accurate and might account for only 10% of the actual harvest. Failure to report is essentially poaching, but it is difficult to enforce unless additional record keeping is required. Management based on absent, inaccurate, or unsubstantiated data is not science-based. Research which does not consider or cannot substantiate the impact of the commercial harvest (fishing mortality) and by-catch mortalities does not address the most critical terrapin conservation issue and is of little use to a fisheries management agency. A harvest moratorium and compensation for harvesters and buyers would be the most efficient and effective terrapin conservation measure at this time. Otherwise, the terrapin alone might end up regulating the harvest - it will simply disappear again.

Q12: Has the DNR accepted the findings of the Terrapin Institute? If so, what are they doing with the information and if not, why not?
A: To be accurate and fair to the DNR, the Terrapin Institute has not provided any published findings to the agency since we were eliminated in 2003. We have been separate from DNR since August 2003 and a private organization since Dec 2003. However, while the terrapin conservation efforts were within the agency, i.e. 1998 - 2003, there were numerous findings and recommendations, some of which were adopted, By-Catch Reduction Device, promotion of beach strand habitat protection. Far more significant and disappointing is the fact that in 2001 the Governor convened a Terrapin Task Force to make recommendations to the DNR. Those recommendations were presented to the Secretary of DNR in Sept 2001. The task force evaluated historical records, harvest data, anecdotal information, etc. and came up with 19 recommendations ranging from the commercial fishing moratorium, humane shipment, to head-starting. With the exception of designating a terrapin nesting sanctuary in honor of the former Governor, DNR did not adopt any of the recommendations. Adding to the disappointment is the fact that no one complained. Some Task Force members admitted that they were hesitant to complain because they would not receive DNR funding. Others apparently believed their work was complete. There has been no follow up. The previous Governor is out of the picture, the new Administration abolished the terrapin conservation and stewardship program, and the remaining DNR personnel aren't talking. In government, agencies rarely do anything new unless forced by political demand, catastrophe, or a bit of nepotism. Political demand comes from public demand and not necessarily a majority. Political demand also can be inspired by an informed legislature and the simple gesture of asking for what you need. While it may seem more egalitarian and polite to work with agency staff to bring about change, the species does not have sufficient time left. There is no false urgency or lack of science - an increasing demand cannot be sustained with a decreasing supply. We are living off the principle. Expedited management is critical and only a legislative move can bring this about in time to save this species. Simple improvement, like terrapin conservation or better habitat protection, can become a bargaining chip for politicians. (I am betting on absolute protection of the State Reptile in exchange for slot machines. Those from Maryland especially can appreciate the hot debate over permitting gambling back in the State.) Had we not been sidetracked by 911, an election, and politics, Maryland might actually have succeeded in implementing better management for the preservation of the terrapin. There is hope - we simply have to start all over again. Any takers?

Q13: Are there any projections on how much longer Maryland's terrapin population can continue to survive such excessive harvesting of adult females?
A: There are no projections. Since terrapins are not fish, traditional fisheries management techniques may not be appropriate to manage this species in what appears to be an increase in exploitation. However, lets say we have 50,000 female terrapins in the Maryland tidewater system and have an annual harvest mortality and other by-catch mortality of 12,000 this year. Combine this estimate with the late maturity, low fecundity, recruitment and natural growth rate, the terrapin has not much time. Under this scenario, the terrapin should not be a commercial species. Some watermen claim there are millions of terrapins and a moratorium is not necessary. I don't know how they come up with their estimate, we could just take their word for it, wait and see. I once asked a researcher how many terrapins could he stand to lose from his study population to the commercial harvest. He told me Zero. No one can project what percentage of a known terrapin population could be harvested without impacting sustainability of the species. No one can say how many terrapins are enough to sustain a population with or without a directed harvest, although ongoing genetic work might reveal the number of reproducing adults in the system. Until such essential information is available, authorities should not allow a continued harvest. We cannot forget that this species collapsed in the early 1900 when there was one fifth of the human population and 99% of the essential habitat. This attached article ran in yesterday's Capital newspaper, Annapolis, MD. The harvest data provided to the reporter by MD DNR, 676 terrapins (or pounds) is less than half of the number of terrapins purchased by the Tidewater Institute. Another buyer reportedly bought 400 terrapins. I know there are other terrapin customers (out of state) which the dealer must keep supplied. Obviously, the harvest reported is incorrect. How many terrapins actually are sold by Maryland dealers is unknown, but dealers seem to report more accurately. How many terrapins actually are harvested is a mystery because only a portion of the harvesters report to DNR. There remains a very small commercial food economy produced by the species. The consensus is the Maryland population appears to in decline. In concert with preserving the habitat, I believe it is more critical and efficient to buy the terrapin's right to stay in the Bay. Otherwise, in a relatively short time, we'll have few animals to reproduce, study, eat, and observe. It is understandable how this issue can become overwhelming or hopeless for those not involved in the conservation of wild species. I am worried that with the success of captive husbandry and the network of available animals, keepers and breeders of terrapins will become complacent over the plight of wild populations. How can we work together to protect your rights to cultivate captive terrapins and preserve abundant populations of wild terrapins?
This appeared in yesterday's Capital newspaper, Annapolis, MD: Our say: Editor's notebook By THE CAPITAL EDITORIAL BOARD OUR TURTLES - Given that the diamondback terrapin has been the official state reptile for 10 years, and has been a mascot of the University of Maryland athletic program since 1933, it's disconcerting to hear that researchers have no idea how many of the turtles there are. That's what our reporter was told by Marguerite Whilden, co-founder of the Terrapin Institute. She was interviewed for a story focusing on two interns who are spending the summer tracking the turtles and compiling information. Since terrapins are the targets of a legal fishery - watermen hauled in 676 pounds of terrapin last year - this lack of knowledge is bothersome. Observations indicate that changes in habitat are forcing the turtles to lay their eggs in less hospitable places, closer to populated areas. We've got nothing but praise for the interns, and for the institute's effort to gather information. We should know more about our state reptile.

Q14: What then, are the most effective ways to ensure the conservation of terrapin populations in the Chesapeake Bay?
A: We operate on a system of conservation on demand and sadly the demand for terrapin conservation has dissipated. If we demand it, it will happen. Even without a crisis or scientific evidence, public demand is a powerful force. Otherwise, the answer depends on who you ask. If asked, the management authorities would maintain that the terrapin is self-conserving and that no additional protection measures are necessary to ensure its conservation. Although no fisheries-independent data are available and despite previous collapses in this species, management authorities continue to believe that everything is fine. It is difficult to understand how this is possible given the fact that an estimate of the size of the Chesapeake terrapin population, reproductive output, growth rates, mortality rates, or suitable habitat remains unavailable. Management authorities do not have the luxury of being proactive; they must have demand or a crisis before they react. In reality, science plays a very minor role in management decisions. If you ask the Terrapin Institute, the most effective way to ensure terrapin conservation in the short-term is to close the commercial terrapin harvest. Turtles have never tolerated a sustained commercial harvest . Given all that we know to be true, a continued directed harvest of any proportion of this species seems ludicrous and inhumane, particularly with the lack of economic benefit resulting from a harvest and the primitive live shipment, packing and transport methods. Given the esteem assigned to the terrapin by Maryland, it would seem politic and socially acceptable for the State to not only protect the species, but revere it. In the long-term restocking, habitat preservation, and stewardship efforts similar to those promoted by the Terrapin Institute will work to ensure the conservation of terrapin and many other species. Obviously, we are unlikely to promote comprehensive conservation to the masses, if the masses cannot behold or appreciate the species.

Q15: Do you think there's a realistic prospect of getting Maryland to make a serious diamondback conservation effort? How can a group comprised mostly of hobbyists, like the Diamondback Terrapin Group, make a difference in terrapin conservation?
A: Yes I do believe there is conservation on the horizon. We are hopeful that the concerted terrapin conservation initiated five years ago, may actually be regaining momentum thanks to private non-profit efforts. Among them, the Terrapin Institute has received permission to reactivate the Terrapin Head-Start Program in cooperation with schools. Interestingly, it may be the children once again who will influence legislation and improve conservation for the State Reptile. You can't ignore a kid with a turtle. Also, as more students learn to appreciate wildlife up close, more citizens will be inspired to protect the entire population and its habitat. As for hobbyists groups (not involved with commercial operations), they can be the best advocates in conservation. If you breed terrapins, do not sell to distributors. Our first experience with the influence of hobbyists was the Mid-Atlantic Turtle and Tortoise Society which testified in 1998 on the By-Catch Reduction Device in Crab Pots. Their testimony was so balanced, informed, and convincing that the regulation passed in its first try. Although there was a previous effort in 1994 to require terrapin-safe crab pots, the proper constituency had not been involved and engaged to support the effort. In 2002, it was another group of reptile hobbyists that changed Maryland law and lifted the prohibition of turtle breeding for conservation or educational purposes. For Maryland law to change we need strong force from Maryland residents and an informed legislature. However, citizens from other States may also influence Maryland legislation. For example, as a public health measure, many urban markets in U.S. and Canada prohibit the keeping of live animals in food markets. Maryland likely is the major terrapin supplier to urban markets and as such contributes to the public health violations. Surrounding States and Canada might consider urging Maryland to restrict terrapin harvest which in turn would curtail the problem of live animals in markets. Of course, if there is no food market, there would be a decline in the harvest. I do not believe the bulk of terrapins purchased are for the pet trade. It is my understanding that most turtle keepers prefer smaller species or juveniles. There are few as dedicated as diamondback terrapin keepers.