Annual Diamondback Terrapin Surveys
The Maryland Coastal Bays Program has been collecting a variety of data relating to diamondback terrapin populations in the Coastal Bays. Organized terrapin headcount surveys began in 2012 in collaboration with Maryland DNR and other members of the diamondback terrapin work group.
The current population status of this terrapin in the Coastal Bays is poorly understood. To better understand its status, MCBP continues to coordinate these counts annually, engaging the community on protecting Maryland’s state reptile.
The surveys take place in the Coastal Bays, including brackish-water creeks, throughout a designated week. The week is typically the end of May, which is their their courtship season.
Counts take place both on water and on land. From motorboats to kayaks and SUPs, all are encouraged to participate. MCBP conducts several trainings prior to the count. Terrapins are the only turtle occupying brackish water, but other turtles, such as snapping turtles, may venture into more brackish water, so it’s important that you are trained to identify the correct species.
Locations of surveys depend on the number of crews that are available and may take place in all of Maryland’s Coastal Bays. If you are interested in participating in the survey, please contact Sandi Smith at sandis@mdcoastalbays.org or by calling her at 410-213-2297 ext 106.
If you are interested in participating in this year’s event please take the time to review the following:
Terrapin Survey Training Presentation
Example of how to fill out Land-Based Form
MCBP Water-Based Protocol 2023
Water-Based Terrapin Headcount Survey Datasheet
Example of how to fill out Water-Based Survey Datasheet
If you believe you are up to the task and ready to register, please fill out the survey and waiver below and return it to Sandi.
Terrapin Survey 2023 Registration and Waiver
We will provide you with the exact latitudes and longitudes in a confirmation email for your survey location once you submit your registration. You can also register at the office by making arrangements ahead of time.
If you are unable to print out these sheets, please contact Sandi and she will be happy to provide you with what you need to conduct your survey.
The diamondback terrapin is Maryland’s state reptile. Inhabiting the brackish waters in the bays and creeks of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, it is the only turtle in North America restricted to estuaries. Relatively little is known about this species; terrapin have been threatened historically and its numbers continue to decline in some parts of its range.
Numerous conservation organizations, research scientists, and private individuals are researching terrapins and working to help protect this beautiful natural resource. Terrapin are considered a keystone species because they provide high quality food for many species higher in the food web, and they control numbers of periwinkle snails and invasive pests. The loss of an integral species like terrapin could have drastic ripple effects on ecosystems.
According to research from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, diamondback terrapin face numerous threats, many of which are human related. Habitat loss, climate change, boat strikes, and nest predation by household animals and generalist species, like raccoons and gulls, have all contributed to the stress put on the terrapin population.
A serious problem that you can do something about is crab pot entrapment. Terrapin enter crab pots the same way crabs do, attracted by the same bait, and are then consequently trapped. Turtles have lungs not gills, so if someone is not checking a crab pot regularly, the terrapin can drown. Recreational pots are the most dangerous because they are typically set in shallow water where smaller terrapin, capable of getting caught, spend more time. Installation of a bycatch reduction device will stop most terrapin from entering a crab pot, but still allow the biggest crabs through.
Waterfront property owners are legally allowed to crab with a maximum of two recreational crab pots. Maryland regulation requires each entrance be equipped with a by-catch reduction device (BRD).
2023 Annual Terrapin Survey Report