Diamondback Terrapin

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Draft Rule December 17, 2020

This presentation provides an overview of diamondback terrapin (terrapin) status and the threats to the species, and provides a summary of proposed draft rules to amend the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) rules 68A-25.002 and 68B-45, Florida Administrative Code (FAC), to prohibit take and limit possession of terrapins; incorporate permit applications for individuals legally possessing diamondback terrapins; and require a rigid funnel opening no greater than 2 inches by 6 inches at the narrowest point or a 2-inch by 6-inch bycatch reduction device (BRD) within each funnel in recreational blue crab traps statewide and in commercial blue crab traps within Terrapin Bycatch Reduction Zones from March – October. The proposal would require blue crab traps be compliant by January 1, 2024.

Divisions: Habitat and Species Conservation and Marine Fisheries Management Authors: Brian Branciforte, Bradley O’Hanlon, Hannah Hart, and Krista Shipley Contact Phone Numbers: (850) 488-3831 and (850) 487-0554 Report date: December 10, 2020

Unless otherwise noted, images throughout the presentation are by FWC. Photo by Kevin Christman

A TlM/TtC OCEMI

Biological Background Occur in brackish coastal areas Slow growing, long lived High site fidelity Florida is ~20% of range Seven subspecies

▫ Five in Florida with three only found here

Diamondback terrapins are small to medium turtles found discontinuously along coastal estuarine areas in sixteen states stretching from Massachusetts to Texas. Like many turtles, terrapins are slow growing with a low reproductive rate, and can live for more than 40 years. With strong jaws and the ability to hold their breath for long periods, they primarily prey on invertebrates such as snails, mussels, and crabs but will also eat fish and plants. In Florida, the species usually nests from April to July, but the nesting season may be longer based on location. The typical clutch size is five to 10 eggs, and incubation times range from about 60 – 75 days. Diamondback terrapins are active most of the year in north Florida and may be active year-round in south Florida. These turtles have high site fidelity, and one researcher found a terrapin near its initial point of capture 11 years after it was originally marked.

Florida represents approximately 20% of their total range and they can be found along the coast, from Jacksonville through the Keys to Pensacola. Five of the seven diamondback terrapin subspecies are believed to occur in Florida, and three of those are endemic to the state, meaning they are not found anywhere else except for Florida.

Map and picture courtesy of USGS

History and Conservation Status Historically overexploited for food No Federal protection & conservation status

varies by state Recognized as biologically vulnerable and

declining across its range Florida Species of Greatest Conservation

Need

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, diamondback terrapins were a popular food item both for sustenance and as a delicacy and were harvested from the wild in tremendous numbers to meet demand. Beginning as “cheap and plentiful,” they were eventually priced out of the market when populations across the range crashed due to overharvest, and Prohibition outlawed an essential ingredient in turtle soup. While this historic threat to populations has subsided, terrapins face several on-going threats that are detailed in later slides.

Terrapins receive no Federal protection and conservation status varies by state across its range; it is generally understood to be declining due to current threats. The International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Species currently categorizes diamondback terrapins as Vulnerable to extinction because of population declines. Diamondback terrapins fall under the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) Appendix II, which means that unless trade is closely controlled the species may become threatened with extinction. International trade of this species must be accompanied by appropriate permits and the species must be acquired legally.

Florida designates the diamondback terrapin a species of greatest conservation need in the State Wildlife Action Plan which means it is in decline or at a great risk of becoming imperiled in the future.

Conservation Threats

Habitat loss and degradation Climate change Water quality Road mortality Nest predation

Currently, diamondback terrapins face a myriad of threats in many complex and intertwined forms. Being a coastal species, they are extremely vulnerable to habitat loss and degradation. Land use changes, sea level rise, and shoreline hardening along Florida’s coasts will further limit the amount of available suitable habitat for nesting and foraging. Broadly, impacts from climate change including changes to ocean salinity and increased storm intensity will have impacts on this species into the future. Roadways pose a threat to terrapins as females are susceptible while crossing roads in search of nesting areas, and hatchlings are vulnerable as they return to the water. Eggs and hatchlings are also exposed to predation from animals such as racoons, rats, hogs, and red fire ants.

Top photo of erosion at Hickory Mound Impoundment Bottom photo of shoreline development in Destin

Conservation Threats (cont.)

Unsustainable harvest Illegal poaching for pet markets Boat strikes Incidental mortality in blue crab traps

▫ Active and derelict

Terrapins, along with other Florida turtles, are collected for human consumption. Many are shipped overseas where turtle meat is most popular. Due to their attractive appearance, terrapins also make popular pets both in the US and overseas. The illegal collection of terrapins for domestic and international markets is an emerging and significant concern. In recent years, there have been large seizures in Florida, South Carolina, and Maryland. In 2019, FWC seized over 600 wild caught turtles that were illegally collected and destined for Asian markets. Species in that case included box turtles, mud turtles, chicken turtles, and terrapins.

Recreational boats are very popular in estuarine waters. Like other aquatic species, diamondback terrapins are susceptible to boat and propeller strikes. One study in New Jersey found that 11% of terrapins in Barnegat Bay had scars consistent with injuries from boats (Lester 2013).

Due to the number of blue crab traps that may be fished in Florida’s coastal waters each year (>200,000 traps available to the commercial fishery in the 2019/2020 license year), many researchers consider incidental mortality in blue crab traps to be a great threat to diamondback terrapins. The two species can be found in the same coastal habitat types and have similar diets. Because terrapins are attracted by the same bait used to lure blue crabs into the traps, there is the potential for these animals to enter blue crab traps when actively foraging for food. Once inside, most terrapins attempt to exit the trap by surfacing. If a terrapin is stuck in a trap for an extended amount of time, the animal will drown. Additionally, when crab traps are lost or abandoned, they are commonly known as derelict traps. Derelict traps can continue to catch marine life and rebait themselves as animals get trapped and die. This cycle, also known as “ghost fishing,” can continue until derelict traps are removed from the water or collect enough marine fouling that prevents animals from entering. Therefore, like active traps, derelict traps also have the potential to catch diamondback terrapins.

Conservation Actions Estuarine restoration efforts Road signage Nest protection Marine debris removal Enforcement and outreach

Several ongoing conservation actions are underway throughout the state that contribute to improving diamondback terrapin populations. The FWC works in partnership with other agencies to identify, design and implement marine and estuarine habitat restoration projects to increase the function and quality of many coastal habitats. Restoration techniques such as “living shorelines” are a win-win to prevent erosion and mitigate wave energy while benefiting terrapins and other wildlife.

In many of our coastal areas that support imperiled wildlife, the FWC implements signage and nest protection techniques to aid local populations. These practices can be extremely effective in areas where there is a high documented occurrence of a threat such as road mortality or predation.

In Florida, derelict blue crab traps are removed by volunteer groups during FWC-approved derelict trap cleanup events and by FWC contractors during regional blue crab trap closures that occur every other year. Over the years, these programs have successfully removed abandoned traps across Florida’s waters.

In addition to enforcing current protections, an assortment of outreach and engagement methods are in place to assist in increasing awareness about diamondback terrapins. This includes a species profile webpage and various social media actions, along with technical assistance.

Photos of mangrove marsh restoration at Don Pedro Island State Park

Ongoing Research

Status, distribution, and genetics Local population centers & estimates Habitat needs Marine fishery sampling Citizen and partner reports

Several research actions are in progress as well. A genetic assessment of terrapins throughout the state is underway to better understand the delineations between subspecies, and to assess subspecies validity. In collaboration with partners, mark-recapture studies are also ongoing to estimate population numbers for several important areas and improve understanding of habitat needs.

Although centered on monitoring fishery resources, the Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) program is a long-term program designed to monitor the relative abundance of fishery resources in Florida’s major estuarine, coastal, and reef systems. The FIM data is a resource for terrapin occurrence data across the state. Additionally, citizen and partner reports help inform diamondback terrapin data around the state.

The above research is designed to benefit the terrapin along with other coastal species and will inform future management decisions.

Current Regulatory Protections in Florida

No take of any turtle eggs No sale of wild-caught turtles Limits on diamondback terrapin take

and possession ▫ Take from the wild: 1/person/day ▫ Possession limit: 2

Permits required to exceed these limits

In Florida, all turtle eggs are protected from take, and wild caught turtles are not allowed to be sold. Diamondback terrapins already have regulatory protections in Florida. Take and possession of diamondback terrapins is regulated in Rule 68A-25.002, F.A.C. Currently, without a permit a citizen may take one terrapin per day, and transport one at a time. There is a personal possession limit of two terrapins per person, which by default prohibits captive breeding of the species. Broadly looking at the turtle rules, take from the wild is already prohibited for several non-listed species, like cooters and common snapping turtles. Outside of Florida, most states prohibit the removal of diamondback terrapins from the wild.

Proposed Changes to Regulatory Protections

Prohibit take from the wild Prohibit possession

▫ Create permitting options for current pet owners ▫ Enhance permitting options for exhibitors and educators ▫ Scientific permit process remains the same

In the spring of 2020, the FWC created an internal terrapin working group comprised of members from multiple divisions including law enforcement, legal, research, and management. Based on discussions with this group, in addition to stakeholder feedback and consultation among terrapin experts, staff are proposing to strengthen the protections for diamondback terrapins in Florida by prohibiting take and possession. After careful consideration, staff believe the proposed changes are warranted as part of a larger conservation focus on this species to prevent further decline. The focus and consideration for these proposed changes provides an additional layer of protection for wild terrapins. Importantly, these proposed changes would allow for a higher standard of enforcement on illegal terrapin capture and trafficking.

Should these changes be approved, all diamondback terrapins currently in possession, either personal pets or outreach and educational animals, would be allowed to remain in possession, but they would require a no-cost permit. This allows for educators and outreach facilities, such as zoos and aquariums, to continue to keep and display terrapins for public benefit. Pet owners will be able to continue to care for their turtles for the life of the animal. Research that requires handling or possession of a terrapin could still be permitted.

Photo by Jay Ondreika, Photostock.com

https://Photostock.com

Stakeholder Input on Take & Possession Many support further increase in protections Clear and enforceable rules Eliminate pathways for laundering

Opposition to possession limits Captive breeding could help curb global demand Offset and supplement wild populations

The FWC engaged with partners and stakeholders in a variety of ways including virtual public workshops, an online survey, small group meetings with interested parties, soliciting feedback online through FWC websites, and phone calls and email. A common takeaway to note for all feedback was that no matter the background, all stakeholders were supportive of finding means to contribute to diamondback terrapin conservation. Many expressed support and were in favor of the staff proposal to further prohibit take and possession. Most stakeholders who were opposed to changes favored a strategy of lessening protections to allow the captive industry to freely breed terrapins because they believe it will curb global markets or assist with supplementing wild populations.

Staff carefully considered this input and maintain the proposed recommendations. Current protections provide a gray area in enforcement, as it allows a pathway for turtles to be collected legally and subsequently laundered as no specific permitting mechanism exists to monitor captive turtles. This recommended possession limit change is supported by FWC’s Division of Law Enforcement, as it would create clear rules surrounding possession, and eliminate legal pathways for terrapins to be laundered through the state. Additionally, the change of the possession limit from two to zero would not impact the reptile industry financially, as legal captive breeding is already prohibited.

While, in some circumstances, the captive breeding of a species can fill some of the demand in the pet trade, the circumstances surrounding those programs may also increase the demand for the species and increase poaching pressure. Because diamondback terrapins are readily bred in other states, foreign and domestic markets can already be legally supplied with captive-reared animals. Furthermore, of the states where diamondback terrapin occur, most states prohibit diamondback terrapin possession.

Staff do not support the reintroduction of captive-bred individuals into wild populations. Should this conservation strategy ever be a recommended action, the FWC will work with stakeholders to develop an oversight committee to guide any reintroductions. The process of reintroducing captive-bred animals is prohibitively costly, requires a long-term commitment (i.e., decades), and a multi-agency coalition to support and guide reintroduction efforts.

Finally, staff recommendations would align Florida’s take and possession conservation measures with several other states in the terrapin's range, including Alabama, Connecticut, Georgia, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Texas, and Virginia.

Terrapin Interactions with Blue Crab Traps Extent of interactions and mortality of terrapins unclear in Florida Interactions more likely to occur in:

▫ Habitat suitable for terrapins (i.e., brackish water) ▫ Areas with high crabbing effort ▫ Close to shore

Bycatch reduction devices (BRDs) can be used to reduce incidental terrapin mortality

In addition to concerns about wild harvest, some stakeholders have expressed concern about the potential for diamondback terrapins to be caught in blue crab traps as bycatch. Research and some blue crab fisherman confirm these interactions can happen; however, the extent of these interactions and the magnitude of bycatch mortality in Florida remains unclear. There are a number of factors that likely contribute to these potential interactions. For example, these interactions may be more likely in brackish water systems with suitable diamondback terrapin habitat, in areas where crabbing pressure is high, and when traps are set closer to shore in shallower water where terrapins often forage. The potential for terrapin interactions with blue crab traps could be reduced by bycatch reduction devices (BRDs), which reduce the ability for adult terrapins to enter a crab trap.

Photo courtesy of Maryland DNR

Florida Blue Crab Fishery Commercial Occurs statewide, known areas with high effort Mobile fishery Typically target large crabs Trap design and material varies regionally

▫ No regulations on entrance size Recreational Allowed 5 traps/harvester Occurs statewide, limited information on effort Often set traps in shallow water that is easily accessible

Blue crabs are primarily harvested using wire traps in both the commercial and recreational fishery. Blue crabs are harvested along the entire coast of Florida; however, there are areas around the state where commercial landings and effort are much higher than elsewhere. The commercial fishery is extremely mobile, and it is not uncommon for a commercial crabber to move their traps to areas with abundant crab catch even if it requires extensive travel.

Blue crabs are harvested year-round in Florida and are typically much larger than those harvested in other states. Because of the availability of these larger crabs and the absence of picking houses, (i.e. businesses that process crab meat), there is no longer a large market for small blue crabs in Florida, and the commercial industry commonly target crabs measuring at least 6-inches carapace length (CL). Many commercial crabbers specifically target large male crabs that measure upwards of 7 inches CL. These large crabs tend to be worth the greatest value, and some harvesters report these large, male crabs make up around 80% of their annual income.

Currently, FWC requires commercial blue crab traps be made from at least 1.5-inch or larger wire mesh size, but there are no regulations on wire type or size of each entrance funnel. Trap design and the wire material varies from region to region. Some commercial crabbers use flexible hex wire (chicken wire) to build blue crab traps, while other use a rigid, coated wire. Regionally, there is also a difference in the number of entrance funnels per trap. In some parts of the state traps are built with as few as two entrance funnels while as many as four entrance funnels may be common in other areas.

Recreational harvesters are allowed to fish up to five blue crab traps per person. Recreational blue crab harvest occurs statewide. Although information on the amount of recreational crabbing effort is currently limited, the recreational blue crab trap registration implemented by the Commission in 2019 will help FWC better understand the scale of the recreational fishery in the future. Recreational harvesters commonly set their traps in shallow water that is easily accessible and close to where they live.

Bycatch Reduction Devices Goal: exclude terrapins with minimal impact on blue crab catch Several shapes and designs Pre-made plastic devices available Can be made using galvanized wire

and hog rings

Not currently required in Florida

The overall goal of BRDs is to exclude terrapins from crab traps without having a significant impact on blue crab catch. There are several types and sizes, and the different BRD designs are based on the swimming behavior and size of both blue crabs and adult terrapins.

The picture on this slide shows three BRD designs that have been tested through various research projects, some of which are required or recommended by other Atlantic and Gulf states. The wider, orange BRD designs (bottom two) in the picture were designed to exclude adult terrapins based on carapace height, which is the measurement from the bottom of the turtle to the top of their shell. The narrower, red BRD design (top), has a curved top and bottom to maximize the height of the device and better allow large blue crabs to enter, but a much narrower width to exclude terrapins.

The BRD designs shown on this slide are made from plastic, but BRDs can also be made by hand using galvanized wire (at least 12-gauge wire is typically recommended). After the wire is shaped to the appropriate dimensions it can then be attached in the funnel of a trap with hog rings or zip ties. BRDs are not currently required in blue crab traps in Florida; however, the agency and other conservation groups have promoted the use of BRDs and at times have offered them at no cost.

Photo courtesy of South Carolina DNR

BRDs – Research on Effectiveness Few studies in Florida Studies found BRDs: ▫ Effective at excluding adult

terrapins ▫ Variable impact on number of

crabs caught ▫ Minimal effect on the size of crabs

caught

BRD

Over the years, there have been numerous scientific studies that investigated the effectiveness of BRDs in blue crab traps across the range of diamondback terrapins, but few studies have been conducted in Florida. A single study in 2007 in Florida, reported BRD use in blue crab traps caused approximately a 73% reduction in terrapin bycatch. Similar studies conducted within other coastal states along the Atlantic and Gulf also demonstrated that BRDs are effective at excluding adult terrapins from blue crab traps. These studies also indicate BRDs have generally little effect on the size of crabs caught, and variable effects on the number of crabs caught. About half of the studies indicate that there is no change on the number of crabs caught, while others report a slight decrease in catch when BRDs are used.

Overall, it is difficult to draw collective and definitive conclusions on effects of a BRD requirement on Florida’s blue crab fishery, particularly how BRDs will affect blue crab catch. Many of these studies differ in experimental design, size of BRD tested, region, season, fishing techniques, trap design and location, sampling efforts, and habitat type. These differences, in addition to the unique characteristics of Florida's estuaries and blue crab fishery, make it difficult to identify which BRD design may be most appropriate for Florida. Simply applying research completed in other states may not be sufficient.

Photo courtesy of Mississippi DNR (top)

BRDs – Feedback and Considerations Non-commercial stakeholders Generally support statewide BRD requirement Minimal input from recreational blue crabbers

Commercial industry Generally oppose requiring BRDs statewide

▫ Report rarely interacting with terrapins ▫ Concerns over negatively impacting catch, especially large crabs ▫ Concern over cost to retrofit traps

Requests for regional and seasonal management, and larger BRD Staff has worked closely with industry to address concerns and minimize

impacts to industry when possible

Future right whale protections may impact some blue crab fishermen in NE Florida

To gather public feedback on the fishery, terrapin interactions, and BRDs, staff engaged with the public during virtual public workshops, small group meetings, through phone calls, email, and online through our Saltwater Comments page. Overall, staff heard mixed feedback on a potential BRD requirement. Most feedback in support of requiring BRDs came from stakeholders and researchers interested in diamondback terrapins. We received minimal feedback from recreational crabbers.

The commercial industry was generally opposed to requiring BRDs in blue crab traps statewide and reported rarely catching terrapins in their traps. Some reported they have never caught a terrapin despite being a blue crabber for decades, but most said they may catch one terrapin every few years during specific times of year and in specific habitat. These crabbers mentioned that if their traps do interact with terrapins, they move their traps to purposely avoid catching them. Most crabbers are concerned BRDs will negatively impact their blue crab catch and exclude crabs 8 inches CL and larger. Since large crabs drive Florida’s blue crab market, harvesters fear a statewide BRD requirement will devastate the industry. Many crabbers also expressed concern about the cost to retrofit traps.

Although most feedback provided by commercial crabbers was in opposition to BRDs, the majority expressed willingness to work to find a compromise and several individuals expressed interest in assisting with additional research efforts. Staff will continue working with industry to try and address their concerns and minimize impact when possible.

Terrapin bycatch is not the only topic FWC staff has been working with the commercial blue crab industry. Staff has engaged commercial crabbers who fish in the ocean along Florida’s northeast coast to address potential interactions with North Atlantic right whales, a species listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. There are no known right whale entanglements in blue crab gear in Florida; however, entanglements in other U.S. and Canadian trap fisheries are one of the leading causes of mortality. Due to continued declines in the right whale population, the northeast Florida ocean blue crab fishery may be impacted by additional regulations in the near future.

BRDs – Proposal and Rationale Require rigid funnel opening no larger than 2 x 6 inches at the

narrowest point or 2 x 6-inch BRD in blue crab traps

Recreational: statewide More likely to interact with terrapins Minimal added cost

Commercial: Terrapin Bycatch Reduction Zones from Mar. – Oct. Likely only interact with terrapins in specific areas Limit impact on crabbers

▫ Especially in freshwater systems and the ocean where terrapin presence is unlikely

Require BRDs by Jan. 1, 2024

Given the public feedback and FWC’s multi-faceted approach to incorporate additional protections for diamondback terrapins to prevent further decline, staff believes requiring BRDs in blue crab traps could aid in the conservation of wild terrapins. The proposed draft rules would require funnel openings be made from a rigid wire with a maximum size of 2 inches by 6 inches at the narrowest point or be retrofitted with a 2-inch by 6-inch BRD. Based on previous research on the effectiveness of BRDs, staff believes that blue crab traps fished with a funnel opening measuring no larger than 2 inches by 6 inches at its narrowest point that is hard to manipulate will effectively exclude the majority of adult female terrapins. Also, this size is expected to have less of an impact on the size of crabs caught than a smaller entrance.

Due to the difference in fishing behavior and placement of traps between the recreational and commercial fishery, recreational traps have the potential to interact with diamondback terrapins more often than commercial traps. Thus, the proposed draft rules would require rigid funnel openings measuring no greater than 2 inches by 6 inches or a 2-inch by 6-inch BRD in all recreational traps statewide. Because recreational crabbers are limited to five traps, this requirement is not expected to have a significant cost for recreational harvesters. The proposed draft rules would also require rigid funnel openings measuring no greater than 2 inches by 6 inches or a 2-inch by 6-inch BRD in commercial traps set in defined Terrapin Bycatch Reduction Zones (TBRZ) from March – October. Commercial blue crab traps are most likely to interact with terrapins in areas that have both suitable terrapin habitat and higher blue crab trap effort at times of year when terrapins are most active. Area-specific commercial BRD requirements in regions that meet such criteria will add additional conservation of diamondback terrapins, without creating unnecessary requirements in locations where terrapin presence is unlikely (e.g., freshwater systems and the ocean).

Based on public comment and feedback from BRD manufacturers, staff is proposing to allow three years for implementation of this requirement. This will provide sufficient time for manufactures to meet the expected increase in demand for pre-made BRDs and spreads out any cost burden on commercial harvesters.

Terrapin Bycatch Reduction Zones (TBRZs) Multiple factors considered

▫ Known terrapin occurrence ▫ Existence of suitable terrapin habitat ▫ High commercial crabbing effort and

landings ▫ Input from industry ▫ Long-term research indicating terrapin

decline (Banana River)

Commercial only

When determining the location and boundaries of proposed TBRZs for commercial crabbing, staff considered many factors, including the known occurrence of terrapins based on research and FWC independent monitoring; the existence of habitat suitable for diamondback terrapins; areas with high commercial crabbing effort; industry input and reported terrapin encounters; and long-term research indicating localized decline in terrapin populations within the Banana River.

Terrapin Bycatch Reduction Zones (TBRZs)

Northeast Florida Banana River Big Bend Tampa Bay Charlotte Harbor

Commercial only

Based on all the factors mentioned on the previous slide, staff identified five proposed TBRZs around the state. These areas, located within the black boxes on this slide, are in northeast Florida, the Banana River, the Big Bend area, Tampa Bay, and Charlotte Harbor. Commercial blue crab trap rigid funnel and BRD requirements within these areas will likely yield the greatest conservation benefits for terrapins without imposing overly restrictive regulations. Detailed maps for each TBRZ are in the supplemental slides of this presentation and in background documents.

Draft Rule Proposals Prohibit diamondback terrapin take from the wild Prohibit diamondback terrapin possession without a permit For blue crab traps, require rigid funnel openings no larger than

2 x 6 inches at the narrowest point or 2 x 6-inch BRD (by Jan. 1, 2024) ▫ Recreational: statewide ▫ Commercial: in TBRZs from Mar. – Oct.

Continue to work with industry on bycatch reduction measures

As part of a multifaceted and comprehensive approach to further protect diamondback terrapins and prevent further population decline, the proposed draft rules would prohibit the take of this species from the wild and prohibit any person without a permit to possess a diamondback terrapin. Additionally, the draft rules would require recreational blue crab traps statewide year-round and commercial traps within TBRZs from March – October to have rigid funnel openings no larger than 2 inches by 6 inches at the narrowest point or a 2-inch by 6-inch BRD, by January 1, 2024. Staff plans on continuing to work with the commercial blue crab industry on the bycatch reduction measures between the draft rule and final rule hearing.

Staff Recommendation Approve proposed draft rules to improve conservation of diamondback terrapins Prohibit take and possession of diamondback terrapins without a

permit For blue crab traps, require rigid funnel opening no larger than 2 x 6

inches at the narrowest point or 2 x 6-inch BRD (by Jan. 1, 2024) ▫ Recreational: statewide ▫ Commercial: in TBRZs from Mar. – Oct.

If approved and directed, return for a final public hearing at the May 2021 Commission meeting

Continue to work with industry on bycatch reduction measures

Staff recommends approving the proposed draft rules as part of a larger conservation focus for diamondback terrapin to prevent further decline and provide an additional layer of protection for wild terrapins. Specifically, staff recommends prohibiting the take of this species from the wild and prohibiting any person without a permit to possess a diamondback terrapin. Additionally, the draft rules would require all recreational blue crab traps year-round and commercial traps within TBRZs from March – October to have rigid funnel openings no larger than 2 inches by 6 inches at the narrowest point or a 2-inch by 6-inch BRD, by January 1, 2024. The combination of proposed draft rules is expected to provide a positive benefit to the terrapin population within Florida. Staff plans on continuing to work with the commercial blue crab industry on the bycatch reduction measures.

If approved and directed, staff will return for a final public hearing at the May 2021 Commission meeting.