The Diamondback Terrapin Preservation Project launches to increase the species’ survival throughout South Carolina
For Immediate Release, April 2007http://www.scaquarium.org
The South Carolina Aquarium begins work on their Diamondback Terrapin Preservation Project, a project dedicated to the protection of terrapins across the state. The grant funded project will focus on raising diamondback terrapin conservation in South Carolina through general awareness and by making free Bycatch Reduction Devices available to all crabbers.
Beginning in April, the Aquarium will kick off a series of educational workshops throughout the state that focus on the importance of terrapins in the ecosystem and the threats they face today. The Aquarium will distribute and install as many Bycatch Reduction Devices as possible to any recreational crabber willing to use them for no charge. BRDs are small rectangular pieces of plastic or metal on crab pots that are oriented in a way to prevent turtles from being caught, while still allowing crabs to enter. The Aquarium hopes to spread the message that these devices aid in the survival of an essential species in our salt marsh ecosystems, without decreasing possible crab catches.
Diamondback Terrapins are brackish water turtles found in salt marshes along the coast from Cape Cod to the Gulf of Mexico. The terrapin feasts on a variety of salt marsh residents and are an important food source for a variety of animals such as alligators and bobcats. Terrapins play an important role in the food chain and their extinction could affect an entire ecosystem. The population of diamondback terrapins decreased immensely in the early 1900s when the species was considered a delicacy. Along with entrapment in crab and eel pots, today’s terrapins face other human threats, such as loss of nesting habitats, car and boating accidents, and pollution.
Although states like Maryland have required the use of BRDs on all crab pots, South Carolina has no such regulations thus far. The Aquarium hopes the Diamondback Terrapin Preservation Project will spur awareness throughout the state to help protect the delicate species.
For all media inquiries, please contact Beth Nathan at (843) 579-8660 or bnathan@scaquarium.org.
About the South Carolina Aquarium:
The South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston’s most visited attraction, features thousands of amazing aquatic animals from river otters and sharks to loggerhead turtles in more than 60 exhibits representing the rich biodiversity of South Carolina from the mountains to the sea. Dedicated to promoting education and conservation, the Aquarium also presents fabulous views of Charleston harbor and interactive exhibits and programs for visitors of all ages.
The South Carolina Aquarium, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, is open Monday - Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. (last ticket sold at 5 p.m.) from April 1 to August 15 and is open Monday – Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. (last ticket sold at 4 p.m.) from August 16 to March 31. The Aquarium is closed Thanksgiving Day, half day Dec. 24 (open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and Dec. 25. Admission prices are: Children 1 and under (free); Youth 2-11 ($8); Adults ($16); Seniors 62+ ($14). Military, senior, college and group discounts are available. For more information call 843.720.1990 or visit www.scaquarium.org. Memberships are available by calling 843.577.FISH.
