Annual diamondback turtle survey begins after holiday

(May 19, 2023) The Maryland Coastal Bays Program is once again hosting its annual community science terrapin survey May 30 through June 10.

According to a news release, surveys take place both on water and land. From motorboats to kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, all are encouraged to participate.

Terrapins are the only turtle occupying brackish water, but other turtles, such as snapping turtles, may also venture into it, which makes it important to identify the correct species.

There is a training guide on the Coastal Bays website that provides details on how to tell the difference, as well as the tools you will need in- cluding land and sea protocol, survey data sheets, and instructions on filling out the data sheets.

The website also includes a registration form that indicates specific areas where surveys need to be conducted. Find all this information and more under Events at mdcoastalbays.org.

The organization 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 results of the surveys are important to help understand the terrapin populations in the Coastal Bays.

For more information, contact Sandi Smith at sandis@mdcoastalbays.org or by calling 410-213-2297 ext. 106.

The Terrapin Survey occurs over the 12-day period after Memorial Day. This time period is when terrapins are highly active and are aggregating in clusters after emerging from hibernation.