Terrapin Station

The Maryland Fisheries Service has a long standing relationship with its traditional stakeholders such as recreational fishermen, charter boat operations, and commercial watermen. In an increasingly metropolitan state, numbers of traditional fisheries constituents are declining while fisheries problems are mounting. All of our citizens are asked to contribute, not just the stakeholders. All citizens impact natural resources, not just the traditional user groups. Our non-fishing, non-traditional public require more involvement in resource management decisions as the future of fisheries resources depends on a broader, larger advocacy and comprehensive management. Protecting the life support system for our fisheries and other resources is everyone's responsibility.

The Maryland Fisheries Service initiated the "Terrapin Station" project as a means to reach out to our non-traditional or non-fishing public. The project is designed to cover the many levels of resource management while using the engaging terrapin to attract our target audience and discuss a full range of fisheries management issues. As natural resource managers we investigate and survey the species and habitats we are mandated to conserve. However, we seldom canvass the species we are mandated to serve. Natural resources are not simply an esoteric science topic or an outdoor recreational venue; these resources are our life support system and essential to human existence. We believe our untapped population will respond enthusiastically and contribute to resource restoration.

"The diamond-back, the esoteric little creature that spread the fame of the Chesapeake Bay around the world ." many years ago, is the heart of the Fisheries Service non-traditional environmental advocate movement.

Terrapin Station is a multi-point Outreach Program for the Non-Traditional Public.

1.The Terp in Time; the Buffalo of the Bay: The State of Maryland has a rich heritage in fisheries; the Chesapeake was our open range. The terrapin has been there throughout our history and like the buffalo is an icon of Nature and historic abundance. The terrapin has been utilized by many and subsidized the growth of this Nation. TS combines science and humanities by integrating Maryland history with that of the terrapin from First Nations, Colonization, Slavery, Revolution, Civil War, Prohibition, the Depression, etc. The study of the terrapin allows for investigations into the scientific method and the benefits of good resources management. TS is compiling some interesting techniques for learning biology, history, social studies, art, and humanities.

2.Turtle Tots Head-Starting: TS offers individuals, schools, educational facilities and others the opportunity to head-start diamondback terrapin hatchlings. Not everyone is a bird watcher, fisherman, hunter, or hiker. Not everyone has the physical abilities to explore the outdoors in traditional fashion. The TS Head-Starting is mutual nurturing effort. It is a means to bring the Bay to You. Others enjoy Nature close up as in gardening or photography or in a more individual style. Head-starting allows for a different means to learn and become involved. These hatchlings will be tagged with wire tags (similar to kemp ridley tagging)and their progress will be monitored so that the conservation advantages of head-starting can be documented.

3.Multi-species Management and By Catch Reduction: Fishing gear and techniques for a particular species may have an adverse impact on another species or habitat. The by-catch reduction device was a requirement to address the wasteful capture of terrapin in crab pots. TC assisted with the adoption of the By-Catch Reduction Device (BRD) regulation to curtail wasteful loss of terrapin. TS produced over 2000 BRDs, distributed them free of charge, and offered free installation in crab pots upon request for terrapin conservation. Although the BRD is requirement in regulation we need public education, support and commitment to fully implement conservation laws.

4. Terrapin 2000 Research: Little is known about the terrapin in the Chesapeake Bay and few species lend themselves better to involving the public in population studies. "Turtles are ideal subjects for teaching basic principles of animal population ecology and for demonstrating field sampling techniques." The Terrapin 2000 element will 1. document the persistence of breeding populations in various locations; 2. estimate the population in select systems; 3. examine movements and behavior within select populations; 4. document use of habitat throughout the life cycle; 5. identify threats and impediments to persistence or recovery; and 6. recommend management measures. The study is designed to involve the general public and environmental education organizations and will continue for a minimum of five years. The web site www.terrapin2000.org has been reserved to publish real time data has it is gathered. TS and Terrapin 2000 is leading the investigation of a new tagging technique for terrapin using standard fish tags and the coded wire tagging system.

5. Terrapin Nesting Sanctuaries Essential fish habitat is not just in the water column, the shoreline provides critical life supporting functions for many aquatic species. TS established the Terrapin Nesting Sanctuary program to protect the fragile beaches and educate the boating public. The Sanctuaries are located on private properties in cooperation with property owners. Signs are made possible through a grant from the Chesapeake Bay Trust.

6. Terrapin Research Consortium: The diamondback terrapin occurs in New England, Mid-Atlantic, and Gulf Coast states. TS organized the Terrapin Research Consortium comprised of experts in the field and established the Terrapin Institute to encourage cooperation and expertise in conservation and restoration of the diamondback terrapin throughout its range. A web site has been established www.terrapininstitute.org.

7. Public Support and Active Involvement: Citizens from diverse backgrounds support the TS program and our concept. Property owners, watermen, high-school students, elementary schools, environmental organizations and private citizens have joined with us to create TS. Our students help out at displays, mentor the younger children at outreach events, raise the head-start terrapin hatchlings, record data, tag, and release our study subjects. The full list of contributors is included in the Terp Team.

8. The Turtle Journals - terRAPin: Is the newsletter for the participants in the Terrapin Station program. Our editor is Jeff Popp from Parkville High School and is compiling stories and information of interest to all who have caught by the Diamondback Terrapin.

9. TerpArt: TS has something for everyone. For the younger crowd we talk about Nature through our art work. TerpArt and TurtleTeach is our way of promoting stewardship and Nature through the terrapin.

10. "2001 Bay Odyssey": This is the working title for our video on the unknown Chesapeake. Join our guide the Terrapin -Captain Clem- aboard the "Keep the 'Peake" and take a peek at the unseen Chesapeake. This is a broader effort to promote our bio-diversity, fishery habitat and stewardship through exploration, awareness and understanding.

For further information on the Terrapin Station Project please call:

Marguerite Whilden 410 260-8269

Fisheries Outreach and Advancement

Department of Natural Resources

580 Taylor Ave.

Annapolis, Maryland 21401 mwhilden@dnr.state.md.us

www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries

"he who knows best knows how little he knows."