HERITAGE COASTAL - JEWEL OF THE MARSH - SC SEA GRANT CONSORTIUM
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Coastal Heritage VO L U M E 3 4 , N U M B E R 2 FA L L / W I N T E R 2 0 21 Jewel of the Marsh The Remarkable Diamondback Terrapin FALL/WINTER 2021 • 1
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JEWEL OF THE MARSH:
S o uth Car
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THE REMARKABLE DIAMONDBACK TERRAPIN
All along the South Carolina coast, the diamondback terrapin is endemic to salt marshes.
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But many populations of the species remain in steady decline.
Coastal Heritage is a quarterly publication
6 of the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium, a science-
based state agency supporting research,
Interesting facts about Malaclemys terrapin education, and outreach to conserve coastal
resources and enhance economic opportunity
12 for the people of South Carolina.
Comments regarding this or future issues of
A HELPING HAND Coastal Heritage are welcomed at
Roger.Drouin@scseagrant.org.
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S o uth Ca
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READING AND WEBSITES S.C. Sea Grant Consortium
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Charleston, S.C. 29401
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S c i e n c e953-2078
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The Consortium’s Board of Directors is
composed of the executive officers
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Dr. Andrew T. Hsu
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Dr. David J. Cole
President, Medical University of South Carolina
Mr. Robert H. Boyles, Jr.
Director,
S.C. Department of Natural Resources
Col. Alexander Conyers
ON THE COVER: Interim President, S.C. State University
Female diamondback terrapins are significantly larger than males and have
Gen. Glenn M. Walters
a more squared head. Pictured here are a female and male terrapin at the President, The Citadel
College of Charleston’s Grice Marine Laboratory.
PHOTO/GRACE BEAHM ALFORD Dr. Harris Pastides
Interim President,
COPYRIGHT © 2021 by the South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium. All rights reserved. University of South Carolina
2 • Coastal HeritageIN THE MARSH. College of Charleston
Professor Emeritus Dave Owens has
specifically studied the diamondback
terrapin for more than 20 years.
PHOTO/GRACE BEAHM ALFORD
Jewel of the Marsh
The Remarkable Diamondback Terrapin
by Roger Real Drouin
A fter scanning the horizon for a
few minutes, Dave Owens points
to a ripple breaking the sun-lit creek’s
unique and vulnerable estuarine spe-
cies that is the only turtle endemic
strictly to brackish water environments
She scoots back under the surface.
“Notice how this terrapin was up
there at the surface for ten seconds,”
surface. in North America. Owens says. After a maximum of three
About 20 yards ahead of his A light breeze picks up. Owens to four hours underwater, both males
tandem kayak, a diamondback terrapin makes his way around a sandy flat, and females must surface to breathe
rises, its mouth and eyes floating just paddling further into the creek, and oxygen. Yet, Owens explains, the
above the water. In a few seconds, with straight ahead, another terrapin pops females, because of their larger size and
a soft splash the terrapin disappears its head out of the water for air. resulting greater oxygen storage capac-
back under the water. “This one’s a female,” says Owens, ity, will breathe at the surface for about
Owens is paddling with the rising professor emeritus at the College of three times as long as a male.
tide on the marsh creek known as Charleston and a longtime terrapin “When they come up, the females
Grice Creek, an estuary surrounded researcher. The giveaway, Owens will stay about 10 seconds, that is
by lush marsh cordgrass, black needle explains, is the terrapin’s more squared according to our research,” says Owens.
rush, and sea-oat patches, across the and wider head — unlike the terrapin In the habitats where diamond-
harbor from downtown Charleston. spotted earlier, which was a male. back terrapins call home up and down
The creek is home to black skimmers, Showing marked sexual dimorphism, the South Carolina coast, large juve-
fiddler crabs, migrating American females are considerably larger than nile and adult terrapins are very
oystercatchers, and a stable population the males, and mature females have difficult to spot. Owens, who has
of the diamondback terrapin — a larger heads than mature males. studied terrapins for more than 20
FALL/WINTER 2021 • 3ONE OF A KIND. The diamondback
terrapin lives where no other turtle species
can live, says biologist Barbara Brennessel.
PHOTO/STEPHANIE CHAVEZ NADEAU/
university of north carolina
years, is practiced at seeing that ripple Terrapin. the only turtle in the emydid family
in the water. And timing helps; the “It is a truly unique species,” with a gland that allows them to
terrapins are getting more active with Brennessel adds. The terrapin has secrete excess salt from their blood,
the rising tide this summer morning, found a niche in the salt marsh, and survive in salty environments.
as they swim from the creek towards developing both physiological and However, the terrapin’s salt gland is
partially submerged marsh grass behavioral adaptations for life in not as effective as that of a sea turtle.
Sporobolus alterniflorus — formerly estuarine water that varies widely in The species’ most salient physical
known as Spartina alterniflora — where salinity. For this reason, terrapins are characteristic is the broad upper shell
during high tide they will feed on a the only species of turtle that live their that varies in individual coloration
bounty of periwinkle snails, small entire life in coastal salt marshes, one from gray or black to greenish or light
crabs, and little mud snails. of the most productive ecosystems brown and is grooved with a natural
“Some people have been kayaking on Earth. diamond-shaped pattern that accounts
this creek for nearly their whole life, One of the physiological capabili- for its common name. The terrapins’
and they’ve never spotted a terrapin ties of the terrapin is the presence of a skin, which also varies in coloration,
— until they know what to look for,” complex salt gland near their eyes, and is often covered in black leopard-like
Owens says. an example of its behavioral strategies spots and/or streaks.
for survival in the marsh is the ability “They have this wonderful indi-
Unique Species Adapts to quickly distinguish rainwater from vidual variation, more so than any
to Habitat saltwater for drinking when needed. other species of turtles,” says Owens. “I
Although diamondbacks live in have seen some that are blonde, almost
The diamondback terrapin salt or brackish water, they are not sea appearing albino, and others that are
(Malaclemys terrapin) is a small turtle turtles. Rather they are related to such brown and very dark. There is so much
endemic, or native, to coastal marshes, freshwater species as sliders, painted variation even here in this population
rivers, and estuarine bays from Cape turtles, and eastern box turtles. Turtles of terrapins [in Grice Creek].”
Cod to the Gulf of Mexico. “They live in this classification have streamlined Their favorite food sources in
where no other turtle species can live,” shells and are called emydids. Terra South Carolina are periwinkle snails
says Barbara Brennessel, professor pins are smaller than a snapping turtle, and fiddler crabs that are on the
emerita of biology at Wheaton College and much smaller than a sea turtle. smaller side, although they will eat
and author of Diamonds in the Marsh: The terrapin does, however, share one a range of different crustaceans and
A Natural History of the Diamondback trait in common with sea turtles: it is mollusks — including the mud snail.
4 • Coastal HeritageThey will also eat small shrimp. terrapin found from Cape Cod, trammel net survey begun in 1990
At a few weeks of age, a young Massachusetts to Cape Hatteras, conducted by the S.C. Department
terrapin will develop a hard, distinctive North Carolina — called the North of Natural Resources (SCDNR), says
beak, which lines its mouth and helps ern Diamond-backed terrapin, or Ballenger, who oversees this research.
the terrapin to undertake the task of Malaclemys terrapin terrapin — has a The survey showed the Wando River
eating small crustaceans and mollusks. slightly raised ridge on its top shell. watershed experienced one of the
This part of the upper jaw is thick and These northern terrapins are just greatest population decreases in the
strong, giving the diamondback terra- slightly larger than a dinner plate, relative abundance of terrapins, from
pin another unique aspect to its while the South Carolina subspecies 1995 to 2010, a decline that coincided
appearance. are about an inch smaller when mea- with a significant increase in develop-
“When it is lightly colored, it sured along the linear length of their ment along the lower Wando River,
resembles clown lips. When it is darkly plastron, or the bottom of their shell, which might have impacted the
colored it resembles a moustache,” Brennessel says. amount of coastal habitat available
Brennessel writes in Diamonds in the All along the South Carolina to the terrapins.
Marsh. coast, this unique estuarine species is The diamondback terrapin is
Terrapins generally live 25 to 40 endemic to the salt marshes. Popula listed in South Carolina and Georgia
years, with documented cases of a few tions can be found in locations as a “high-priority” species for conser-
60-year-old terrapins on Cape Cod, ranging from Cape Romain National vation efforts within coastal habitats,
Brennessel says. Wildlife Refuge, the Lower Wando under the states’ respective Wildlife
There are seven recognized sub- River, Charleston Harbor, the lower Action Plans. Such a classification
species of Malaclemys terrapin that Ashley River, the Ashepoo, Combahee, establishes research and conservation
have been identified by scientists. The and Edisto (ACE) Basin, Edisto Beach, funding for at-risk species that are
subspecies found in South Carolina is and Hilton Head Island. But these currently not covered under federal
Malaclemys terrapin centrata. “They populations remain in gradual decline, funding programs.
can be found in pretty much every across South Carolina, due to threats, In the face of increasing perils,
major estuary up and down our coast,” including habitat loss and degradation, terrapin populations are under greater
says Joey Ballenger, a biologist with the sea level rise, and road mortality. pressure to survive, and researchers are
S.C. Department of Natural Resources Entrapment in commercial and recre- working on efforts to help ensure there
(SCDNR) and manager of the agency’s ational crab pots is one of the greatest is a future for the species.
Inshore Fisheries Research Section. threats to terrapins. In many areas of At SCDNR, biologists are work-
There are significant differences the state, there has been a steady ing on improving a simple method to
between each subspecies, including decline in the abundance of the spe- prevent terrapins from entering crab
differences in size and age at maturity, cies, as shown in a long-term statewide traps. Further, research with
and number of eggs in a nest. For
instance, Malaclemys terrapin centrata
(also known as the Carolina terrapin)
“are the smallest in size of all the
subspecies, and females have a smaller
clutch compared to the other subspe-
cies,” says Brennessel. Malaclemys
terrapin centrata will lay a clutch of five
to seven eggs, while diamondbacks up
in Cape Cod, for instance, will lay a
dozen eggs.
Each of the seven recognized
subspecies have physical (often subtle)
distinguishing characteristics. The
ornate diamondback (Malaclemys
terrapin macrospilota) found only on
Florida’s Gulf coast has orange or
yellow marks on the top of its shell in
the center of each diamond shape. The
bright markings contrast an otherwise
SHALLOW-WATER SAMPLING. In South Carolina, results from a SCDNR trammel
darkly-colored shell. net survey are used to help keep tabs on terrapin populations.
Meanwhile, the subspecies of PHOTO/ERIN WEEKS/S.C. DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
FALL/WINTER 2021 • 5“headstarting” hatchlings could help especially when its environmental Following the Tides
enhance the populations of terrapins. threats have been identified and can
Headstarting is a conservation tech- potentially be mitigated, as is true with In habitats they call home along
nique for vulnerable species, in which the diamondback terrapin,” says Whit the South Carolina coast, large juve-
young animals are raised artificially Gibbons, a professor emeritus at the nile or adult terrapins follow the tides.
and subsequently released into the University of Georgia, who conducted During low tides, they will usually
wild. A volunteer community-science the single longest study of the terrapin, stick to the tidal creeks or near-shore
program, launched in 2016 by on Kiawah Island starting in 1983. shallows. The terrapins will accumu-
SCDNR, is also providing important “In addition, this iconic reptile has late there in the water bodies, where it
information to biologists about the another factor operating in its favor: is safer for them, out of reach of many
terrapins and helping point out prob- it is the most charismatic inhabitant of the predators that would try to make
lem areas. of America’s salt marshes.” a meal out of them, according to Owens.
Such efforts are crucial for the Once coastal communities During high tides, they will
long-term conservation of this unique become aware of the possible disap- display wider movements, likely
and declining species found in our salt pearance of terrapins, Gibbons because less of the marsh is exposed
marshes. “We should always remain believes further efforts will be put to terrestrial predators — compared
optimistic about any declining species, into place to come to its aid. to low tide, when more of the
Interesting facts about Malaclemys terrapin
• Terrapins have declined greatly in the Northeast and parts
of Florida, and in South Carolina and Georgia, they are
considered a “high-priority” species for conservation
efforts.
• Diamondback terrapins get their name from the natural
pattern that occurs on the scutes, or bony plates, on the
top of their shell. They are diamond-shaped and filled
with raised concentric circles.
• In South Carolina, their favorite food is the periwinkle
snail (Littoraria irrorata), while in Virginia, the terrapin
prefers mud snails (Nassarius obsoletus).
• As one of the few turtles that can tolerate brackish water,
terrapins can be found in a variety of coastal habitats,
including salt marshes, wetlands, mangrove swamps,
An adult female diamondback terrapin. estuaries, lagoons, and tidal creeks along the eastern
PHOTO/DALE AREN
seaboard and Gulf of Mexico of the United States.
• Like sea turtles, diamondback terrapins possess salt glands
• There are seven subspecies of diamondback terrapin: around their eyes, allowing them to secrete excess salt
Common name Subspecies name from their blood, and survive in salty environments. But
Northern Malaclemys terrapin terrapin their glands are not as efficient as those of sea turtles.
Carolina Malaclemys terrapin centrata • Diamondback terrapins select their nest sites using such
Texas Malaclemys terrapin littoralis physical features as the slope and height of sand dunes and
Ornate, FL Gulf Coast Malaclemys terrapin macrospilota the extent of plant cover, and choose their timing on the
Mississippi Malaclemys terrapin pileata basis of the tidal phase and the weather.
Mangrove Malaclemys terrapin rhizophorarum • Terrapins mate in early spring. The female will float on
Eastern Malaclemys terrapin tequesta top of the water and wait for a suitable mate to approach.
• Diamondback terrapins may live for 25 to 40 years in the • Nesting season runs from early May through early July.
wild, perhaps longer. The eggs typically take anywhere from 60 - 100 days to
• Terrapins are sexually dimorphic, with males being much hatch. Females can lay several clutches in one season.
smaller, while females are considerably larger as adults. • Hatchlings often hide in the mud to seek food and
Males are about one-third smaller. safety.
6 • Coastal Heritagecans and resulted from this epicurean status.
European Throughout the 1800s, fishermen
settlers. In “would harvest terrapins from Texas,
colonial times, the Keys, or South Carolina, and
a wagon load of bring them up to a central place in
terrapins could Savannah, or Charleston, or Wash
be purchased ington D.C., and keep them all in
for one dollar. these pens,” Owens says.
By the early This large-scale, unregulated
1800s, however, harvesting, along with widespread
food prepara- coastal development during the 19th
tions made and 20th centuries, decimated the
with the dia- species. “They took a big hit,” says
mondback Gibbons. According to New Jersey-
terrapin began based Save Coastal Wildlife:
to assume a
FAVORITE FOOD. Diamondback terrapins come into the marsh to “Terrapin or ‘turtle’ soup or stew was a
forage on periwinkle snails and other prey. higher culinary
delicacy that could be found alongside
PHOTO/GRACE BEAHM ALFORD status, and
shad, lobster, flounder and clams on
terrapin soups
many restaurant menus. Thankfully,
marsh is exposed. and stews became gourmet specialties
the commercial demand for terrapins
Terrapins will come up into the for Victorians. “The fisheries status of
ended by the 1930s as a result of
marsh to forage on their prey of peri- the terrapin changed from annoyance
decreasing terrapin populations, which
winkle snails (Littoraria irrorata), or by-catch to a valuable commodity,”
made them difficult to find, and
small crabs, and mud snails (Nassarius according to Brennessel. The terrapin
Prohibition from 1920 to 1933, which
obsoletus), as well as other mollusks, became the main ingredient in a
banned the production and sale of
crustaceans, and the occasional small sherry-laden soup.
sherry, another of the soup’s main
marine invertebrate periwinkle snail. From the mid-1800s through the
ingredients.”
In South Carolina, “periwinkles early-1900s, they were nearly hunted to
seem to be their favorite,” says Owens. extinction. “Tens of thousands of adult Populations partially rebounded
And the terrapins have a novel way of terrapins were removed for food — as over the past century. Although
fetching these favorite snails, which a delicacy,” says Whit Gibbons, the terrapins are no longer hunted on a
attach themselves to the upper reaches professor emeritus of ecology at the widespread scale in states where they
of smooth cordgrass, just above the University of Georgia’s Savannah are found, they still face many threats,
water line. River Ecology Laboratory and one including habitat destruction, inciden-
“They will swing at the marsh of the most respected authorities on tal drowning in crab traps, poaching,
cordgrass and push it down, and then amphibians and reptiles. cars, and the impacts of climate
grab a periwinkle [snail] as it falls into The epicurean status was change. In South Carolina and
the water,” says the College of Charles cemented in upscale restaurants and Georgia, the diamondback terrapin
ton professor emeritus. It has proven to even in the White House’s kitchen. (Malaclemys terrapin) is listed as a
be an effective means to an end. Diamondback terrapin meat was a “high-priority” species. Further, in 2000
popular gourmet food in the 1800s the state of South Carolina changed
A Trio of Modern Threats and early-1900s at many elegant resort commercial access to terrapins, passing
hotels and restaurants along the U.S. a law prohibiting any harvesting for
The only known prehistoric East Coast. Gourmet home recipes commercial purposes. Persons are
diamondback terrapin fossils, two tiny from 1881 and 1894 describe the prep- allowed to have only a personal posses-
bones, of two different individuals, aration of terrapin soup and stew. All sion limit of two terrapins.
from the neck region of the shell and such recipes called for a heavy dose of Brennessel lists three of the top
the lateral portion of the shell, date sweet wine. Terrapin soup was a favor- perils that the vulnerable species faces.
back to the Pleistocene epoch (approx- ite White House lunch course during The number one threat used to be
imately 1.65 million to 10,000 years the presidency of William Howard harvesting of terrapins as a food deli-
ago). They were found at Edisto Taft, Brennessel writes. cacy. Since that has been banned or
Beach, Brennessel writes in her book “The soup was also served during is very limited, these are now the top
Diamonds in the Marsh. state dinners, when Mrs. Taft would three threats, Brennessel says:
Terrapins were once very common hire a cook to prepare it.” • Mortality in crab traps, also
and provided food for Native Ameri- A commercial terrapin industry called “crab pots,” used by commercial
FALL/WINTER 2021 • 7and recreational fishermen to catch frequently enter crab pots.” Terrapins years, and focused her research on
blue crabs. Terrapins can drown in may also enter out of curiosity or the diamondback terrapin.
crab traps, even in pots that have because they are looking for a safe Sea-level rise will likely eliminate
bycatch reduction devices (BRDs). resting place. a lot of the nesting habitat for terra-
BRDs can prevent the larger females But like all reptiles, diamondback pins. Female terrapins nest on marshes,
from entering the pots, but adult males terrapins breathe air, and they can sandy spits, and islands, habitats that
and young females are still vulnerable, drown when they’re unable to leave are especially prone to increasing
because they are typically small the traps. inundation from sea-level rise.
enough to enter the traps and drown. Male terrapins may also follow Brennessel writes: “ . . . residual
• Fragmented, degraded, or disap- a female. “One thing we know that habitat is being impacted by the effect
pearing habitat. This includes the happens if a female goes in there [a of climate change. We are already
impact of upstream development— trap] in the spring, the males will witnessing sea level rise and an
such as increased siltation in estuaries follow her in, and that can be respon- increase in the number and severity of
due to more stormwater runoff. sible for a large number of captures,” storms that whip up waves and wind.
• Climate change, including Owens says. Our marshes are in danger of disap-
changing temperatures and sea-level Development and land-use pearing and suitable terrapin nesting
rise. changes along the coast result in the areas have become inundated or have
Terrapins can enter commercial loss of terrapin habitat. Although shriveled in size.”
and recreational crab traps and drown the largescale conversion of pristine Sea-level rise is already resulting
in the traps. These traps pose what is habitat in salt marshes has slowed in changes. In the last two decades
likely the gravest threat to the terra- dramatically from the twentieth cen- alone, Charleston Harbor has experi-
pin, says Gibbons, who conducted the tury, upstream changes slightly inland enced between four to six inches of
longest-running study of diamondback can still have an impact. Seawalls, sea-level rise, according to National
terrapins. revetments, and docks can alter terra- Oceanic and Atmospheric Admini
It only takes a few hours for a pin habitat. stration (NOAA) tide gauge data.
terrapin to drown in a submerged crab Thirdly, climate change is already Moreover, continuing warming tem-
trap. No matter what type of crab causing impacts for the coastal dia- peratures and additional melting of
trap it is, the more often the trap is mondback terrapin — even if the land ice are anticipated to further
checked, the better. According to an effects on populations are not measur- hasten the pace. Sea level in Charles
article in the SCDNR publication able yet, Brennessel says. But it is ton has risen by 10 inches since 1950,
South Carolina Coastal Resources, certain to become “a big issue in the with an acceleration anticipated. From
“drawn to the pungent smell of fish near future,” adds Brennessel, who 2020 to 2050, Charleston Harbor is
heads and chicken necks, the turtles taught at Wheaton College for 33 projected to experience a sea-level rise
of 1.4 feet, according to recent data
from NOAA and the National
Climate Assessment.
Furthermore, even relatively small
temperature fluctuations and transi-
tions due to climate change can have
major implications for the hatchlings’
development, and threaten to upend
the way the terrapins develop. Like
most emydid turtles, the sex of dia-
mondback terrapins is determined
by temperature during incubation.
Terrapins exhibit a pivotal temperature
(the temperature at which an equal
ratio of males and females develop)
of approximately 82.4 to 84.2 degrees
Fahrenheit.
Terrapins are the opposite of
alligators — terrapin females develop
HIGHER GROUND. Diamondback terrapins nest on sandy areas that are adjacent to
at warmer nest temperatures and males
the salt marsh, but at slightly higher elevations above the high-tide line. Often, sea oats
grow at these beaches that make suitable nesting habitat. develop in cooler nest temperatures,
PHOTO/ROGER REAL DROUIN/S.C. SEA GRANT CONSORTIUM says Erin Levesque, a biologist with
8 • Coastal HeritageSCDNR and manager at the Waddell
Mariculture Research and Develop
ment Center, in Bluffton, S.C.
“One of our concerns is that
increasing temperatures could cause
development of more females, poten-
tially to the point of detriment to the
population,” says Levesque. Factors
such as the ability of specific nesting
areas to balance out warming tempera-
tures, through habitat cover, would
play a factor in the impact on nests.
Research conducted with dia-
mondback terrapin eggs from St.
Mary’s County, Md., showed that as
little as 2.7-degree Fahrenheit differ-
ence in incubation temperature altered
the ratio of female-to-male hatchlings,
and greater temperature swings could
result in up to 100-percent female
CAREFUL EXCAVATION. Erin Levesque, a biologist and manager at the Waddell
hatchlings. Significant temperature
Mariculture Center, carefully unearths diamondback terrapin eggs in a nest overlooking
changes could also spur irregular Wappoo Creek.
development, terrapin researchers say. PHOTO/GRACE BEAHM ALFORD
Further research is critical, includ-
ing here in South Carolina. the pluff mud or along the wrack line. to supplement wild populations that
“We need a long data set to see When their yolk sacs disappearing are in decline.”
what kind of changes there are” as from the ventral plastron surface on The goal is to protect the terra-
a result of warming temperatures, the bottom of their shells, eventually pins and start to plan for increasing
Levesque says. the young terrapins begin eating conservation efforts, which can
insects and little crustaceans, while be implemented across different geo-
Giving Terrapins also attempting to remain hidden from graphic areas, a “more proactive
a Head start predators such as racoons, mink, approach” to species extinction.
herons, snakes, and birds of prey. Levesque is researching whether
In a garden overlooking the These terrapins, though, would not accelerated growth in a captive envi-
Wappoo Creek marsh, biologist Erin make their way into the marsh. The ronment would translate to accelerated
Levesque digs through the damp soil goal was to intercept the terrapins breeding. At the Waddell Mariculture
very carefully with her hands. — which were hatched as part of an Center laboratory, Levesque and her
After a few more scoops of soil, enhanced breeding program — and team will conduct growth and repro-
Levesque stops. The biologist and place them in a container for transport ductive studies, and examine nutrition
Dale Aren, a community scientist and to the Waddell Mariculture Center and wintering habits. “We will keep
owner of this West Ashley property where they will be reared in tanks for them in the lab for up to a year,” she
on the creek, notice movement and a the first year of their lives. says, “and look at different diets and
glimpse of the first of the grayish-olive Levesque gingerly places the growth rates.” One thing researchers
shells of newly-hatched diamondback terrapins in a container lined with do know is that the terrapins grow
terrapins. In a few moments, five of the perlite. “They’re beautiful,” says Aren. “exponentially faster” in a lab during
terrapins, blinking their eyes and no It’s part of a “headstarting” effort that first year, Levesque says. The
larger than a half dollar, scamper and that could provide one important way shells are more calcified, and the
crawl towards the top of the evacuated to enhance the stock of diamondback terrapins are less vulnerable to
nest. terrapins, as the species faces contin- predation by certain predators.
Baby terrapins typically would ued declines across its South Carolina Levesque will also research breed-
head to the nearby marsh — in this range. ing and nesting habits of terrapins
case, the emerald smooth cordgrass “We have been seeing some long- at Botany Bay Plantation Wildlife
bordering the meandering Coburg term declines,” Levesque says. “We are Management Area. The females nest
Creek — where they settle in for the researching the potential for headstart- here in open sand dune habitat. Often,
next few weeks, mainly burrowing in ing terrapins, and whether it is possible however, a raccoon or ghost crab
FALL/WINTER 2021 • 9will get to the nests and eat the eggs. But Gibbons’ research on Kiawah dead turtles between the 2 derelict
That’s why Levesque and other officials Island indicates that crab traps largely crab pots.”
have been putting down wire cages to contributed to the decline. As tourism
protect the nests. has increased in the region, Gibbons A photo Grosse took of the aban-
has seen an increase in recreational doned crab pot with the 94 drowned
Witnessing a Decline crab traps. terrapins was published in the article.
“The terrapins come in these traps After doing additional biomass
Gibbons, at the University of to eat crab or fish, and they don’t come research Grosse and his team deter-
Georgia’s Savannah River Ecology out,” Gibbons says. “They drown. They mined that 91 percent of the total
Lab, conducted the longest-running can’t breathe under water. terrapin biomass in this particular tidal
study of diamondback terrapins. Since “This is what we thought was the creek was lost as a result of the two
1983, Gibbons and other members of main cause of the decline in Kiawah,” derelict crab pots.
the Savannah River herpetology lab Gibbons adds. “I bet thousands of Terrapins can drown in both
have made over 3,500 captures of adult terrapins, both males and commercial and recreational blue crab
about 1,500 individual terrapins in females, from Texas to New England, pots (whether abandoned or not), and
several salt marsh creeks at Kiawah drown every year,” says Gibbons. Grosse’s discovery has been cited by
Island. Current bycatch reduction devices scientists as evidence of the impacts of
His research has shed light on can help. Although some states now crab traps on terrapins and the need
terrapin population dynamics and has require such devices, they have not for research on how to prevent terrapin
demonstrated that the Kiawah popula- been implemented on a widespread drownings in the traps. Subsequent
tion is declining, due in large part to basis. to the article’s publication, his photo-
mortality in crab traps. graph has been republished on
Gibbons studied terrapins on two A Grim Discovery numerous occasions to illustrate the
Kiawah Island creeks, witnessing steep unintended effect of crab traps on
declines in both populations. Gibbons As a graduate student in 2007, terrapins.
says a change in the upland ecosystem Andrew Grosse made a grim discovery. SCDNR biologist Michael Arendt
had a significant impact on the popu- Grosse, who is the state herpetologist and a team of researchers have spent
lations of terrapins in the creeks he with SCDNR, came upon a crab trap several years working on a solution to
studied extensively, Fiddler Creek and submerged just below the water’s sur- this problem.
Sandy Creek. face in a tidal marsh at low tide near It would come in the form of a
Kiawah Island has changed since St. Simons Island, Ga. But there were greatly improved bycatch reduction
the 1970s and 80s. However, the island not only blue crabs in this trap. Grosse device (BRD) — also known as an
and its communities have implemented recounted what he saw in a journal excluder device. Think of it as a ter-
salt-marsh and open-space conserva- article published in 2009 in Chelonian rapin escape hatch; the BRD fits at the
tion plans since early development Conservation and Biology: end of a funnel into the trap, allowing
phases. Gibbons believes another most crabs to enter but keeping many
effect on the island’s terrapin popula- “The water depth was less than one terrapins out.
tion emanates not from Kiawah Island, meter and a mixture of mud, algal and “This device was invented in 1988
but rather upstream changes outside of barnacle growth, and turtle carcasses and is credited to Dr. Roger Wood,”
the community. Creeks that Gibbons were visible within the trap. The trap says Arendt. Concerns about the local
and his children could walk through was pulled from the water, revealing terrapin population in and around
in the early 1980s have become filled the carcasses of 94 dead M. t. Stone Harbor, N.J., Wood, former
with silt which has washed down- centrata. On May 4, we observed 23 director of The Wetlands Institute,
stream due to increased stormwater dead and one live M. t. centrata in a fashioned the first BRD prototype from
runoff — as a result of increased second trap approximately 100 meters a wire coat hanger. Since that time,
development. from the first trap. many researchers from Texas to New
An increasingly silty environment By law, we were prohibited from Jersey have tested various designs,
may end up being a less ideal envi removing the traps from the water, some that they came up with on their
ronment for some of the prey that and during the remainder of our own and others that they were just
diamondbacks feed on. Gibbons says, 2-month sampling period, we visited checking to see if a particular design
for instance, a silty creek may impact this site three additional times. During that was used elsewhere would work
shrimp and periwinkle snails, food each visit we observed additional dead in their geographic area.
sources of the terrapins, and he terrapins in the derelict crab pots. What Arendt and his team did in
believes research is needed to look Over five visits between 4 April and 2018 that was novel was to incorporate
into this. 30 June 2008, we documented 133 the geometry of the target capture
10 • Coastal HeritageCarolina Division of Marine Fisheries
(DMF) by proclamation required
that all crabs traps be fitted with the
devices in Masonboro Sound and the
Lower Cape Fear River.
“Any crab pot that is employed in
these two areas must be equipped with
a BRD that has been approved by the
North Carolina Marine Fisheries,” says
Amanda Southward Williard, biology
professor in the Department of Biology
and Marine Biology at University of
North Carolina Wilmington.
Williard and colleagues have
started a working group with local
fishers and asked them to bring their
IMPROVED DESIGN. The new bycatch reduction device (BRD) design on top ideas for a BRD so researchers could
includes a curvature so that oval-bodied crabs can fit through more easily as they rotate test them. An undergraduate honors
to enter. Furthermore, the shorter design improves terrapin exclusion. student at UNCW is currently testing
PHOTO/ERIN WEEKS/S.C. DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES one of these prototypes, and she found
some “really good results” in terms of
animals (crabs) and the target exclu- The researchers looked at 8,196 terrapins being kept out of the traps,
sion animals (terrapins) and find “the theoretical dimension sizes for a BRD. Williard says.
sweet spot” opening size. Unlike those prior designs, the More buy-in is needed. But a
“Mike Arendt has led the charge SCDNR BRD includes a curvature in foundation is there. “We had the good
with [improving the design] of an the bottom and top of the excluder fortune of working in this area for over
excluder,” says Grosse. so that the oval-bodied crabs can fit 10 years and establishing relationships
BRDs are pieces of plastic that through more easily as they rotate in that community,” Williard says.
fit inside the entrances of crab traps, to enter. Furthermore, the design “We can talk openly with them.”
restricting the size and shape of the improves terrapin exclusion by focus- In South Carolina, there is no
hole. Several BRD designs have made ing on their width which is twice as legislation currently on the books that
it to market over the years, but adop- large as their height, and in turn offers would touch on BRDs. “If any changes
tion has been slow, as the devices can better exclusion along with crab entry. were to be considered they would have
sometimes reduce blue crab catch rates “Most people don’t realize crabs to be turned into a bill introduced
in addition to reducing bycatch, turn sideways as they swim — like by a legislator and eventually passed
according to an article in South leading with their elbows,” Arendt by the State’s General Assembly.
Carolina Coastal Resources. says. However, an initiative could make its
After three years of research, Arendt noted that some commer- way to the legislature through a grass-
between 2014 and 2017, and nearly cial and recreational crabbers were roots effort.
1,000 legal-sized crabs’ worth of test- intrigued by how well the devices “It is not uncommon for many of
ing, Arendt and his team designed a worked. “I had one guy tell me he was our wildlife- or marine resources-related
BRD that would keep terrapins out impressed at the size of the crabs that laws to originate through interface
while still allowing large crabs to enter fit in [through] the BRD into the crab between private citizens or groups and
traps. The testing was conducted on trap,” Arendt says. But there still needs individual legislators, so that remains
the Ashley and the Stono rivers. to be more research into crab and a viable option for interested parties
Arendt adjusted the size of a test terrapin morphology across South to consider,” says Mel Bell, director of
BRD until it achieved 99 percent Carolina given preliminary data sug- fisheries management at SCDNR.
capture for legal blue crabs, while also gesting that the device so successful in In 2000, the South Carolina
keeping out twice as many diamond- the Charleston area will work as well legislature recognized the value of
back terrapins as other widely statewide. science-based management in order to
promoted designs. “There was a lot Arendt points to North Carolina, protect limited populations of terra-
of design work to figure out the best where state officials have mandated pins, and changed commercial access
approach to keep the biggest crabs BRDs, built to specifications based on to the South Carolina terrapin
in, while keeping the terrapins out,” Arendt’s design, in two terrapin pro- resource from a seasonally open fishery
Arendt says. tection areas. In 2018, the North to one managed with discretion by
FALL/WINTER 2021 • 11effect on crab catch.” Facebook page at the start of nesting
A Helping Hand As Brennessel notes, efforts such season,” Aren says. She will post a few
photos she has taken of the terrapins
as headstarting will have little effect if
Report sightings online to help core threats such as incidental drown- and let neighbors know to be wary
diamondback terrapins. ings in crab traps and habitat loss are since it is nesting season for the
Coastal residents and not addressed. reptiles.
visitors in South Carolina have Aren, who lives on Wappoo Aren, a retired marketing execu-
a new way to make a difference Creek, has been participating in tive, also reports detailed sighting
in the long-term conservation of SCDNR’s community-science volun- information to SCDNR, and she
the diamondback terrapin. teer terrapin program for the last microchips nesting females. In 2017,
The S.C. Department of several years. SCDNR biologists trained her how
Natural Resources recently Launched in 2016, the program to outfit the terrapins with Passive
launched a reporting form, and aims to log important information Integrated Transponder (PIT) micro-
is asking members of the public about the terrapins, including specific chip tags, which assists them in
to help by reporting terrapin sightings and nesting locales. monitoring the terrapins’ behaviors
sightings across the coast. A The terrapins make the approxi- and locations. PIT tags are a non-
link to the form is available at mately 400-foot trek to Aren’s garden invasive, lightweight method of
www.dnr.sc.gov/news/2016/apr/ year after year. Nesting females come recognizing individuals.
apr14_terrapin.html. from the creek and smaller “creeklet” Using the PIT tags, Aren and
into her garden, which it turns out is researchers discovered that the same
an optimal nesting site — close to the terrapins would return to the same
SCDNR. Since this time, no recent marsh but high enough out of the locations to lay several clutches of eggs
permits for commercial harvest have water. “That they come specifically to in one summer.
been issued. my garden, each summer, that’s amaz- Arendt, the biologist who leads
A national Diamondback ing,” Aren says. terrapin research at SCDNR, said
Terrapin Working Group (DTWG) The terrapins will dig their nests input from residents such as Aren
was formed in September 2004 to in the soil, pushing aside brick chips helps the agency get a better sense of
facilitate information exchange and first. overall distribution of diamondback
to set research and management Many of the residents of terrapins in South Carolina, so scien-
priorities. This group consists of Edgewater Park, the West Ashley tists can make sure they are
individuals from academia, scientific neighborhood where Aren lives, now conducting research in the right areas.
and regulatory agencies, and private know about the terrapins. “I will post The information has even helped
organizations working to promote the something on our neighborhood point out problems. As a case in point,
conservation of the diamondback
terrapin, as well as preservation of
intact, wild terrapin populations and
associated ecosystems throughout their
range.
The working group this year wrote
a position statement asking states to
require BRDs, says Brennessel, who
is a member of the group. The group
suggests that properly-used devices
could help reduce terrapin by-catch
while having minimal effect on blue
crab catch. “The position of the work-
ing group is that the scientific data are
abundant and clear that commercial
and recreational use of blue crab traps
is a primary threat to the conservation
of Diamondback Terrapins throughout
the species range,” reads the statement,
published in November 2020, “and ESCAPE ARTIST. As part of the headstarting effort, newly hatched terrapins were
that BRDs effectively reduce terrapin placed in a container lined with perlite.
capture and mortality with minimal PHOTO/GRACE BEAHM ALFORD
12 • Coastal Heritagea concerned resident let scientists t errapins is intertwined with the Terrapins also help keep these ecosys-
know about an area where two ecosystem in which it lives. Terrapins tems healthy by eating periwinkle
terrapins were killed during road are a sentinel species, and their opti- snails, which in high numbers can
construction work on U.S. Highway 21 mal survival takes place in unspoiled harm marsh grasses. The terrapins
over Harbor River in Beaufort County, marsh habitats. In a 2007 study by may never rebound to their population
says Arendt. Owens, funded by the S.C. Sea Grant levels of the 1800s before trapping and
As a result of this information, Consortium, the turtles were found to widespread habitat changes resulted in
transportation officials decided to put be good predictors of mercury pollu- severe declines. But certainly, recent
up a Terrapin Crossing sign on the tion, thus becoming a bioindicator for declines can be reversed, Gibbons
busy thoroughfare to help notify assessing mercury contamination of believes, and through a variety of
motorists of terrapins in the area. estuarine systems. Other studies have mitigation — such as the use of
More and more residents, as Gibbons looked at terrapins as bioindicators bycatch reduction devices on crab
pointed out, are becoming aware of the of organic pollutants, including poly- traps and preserving intact salt
terrapin, the remarkable turtle of the chlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), marshes — populations of this unique
salt marsh. polybrominated diphenyl ethers species can thrive up and down the
The health of diamondback (PBDEs), and chlorinated pesticides. South Carolina coast.
Reading and Websites
Abandoned Crab Traps. S.C. Department Diamondback Terrapin Working Group. Northern Diamond-backed Terrapin,
of Natural Resources (SCDNR). dtwg.org Malaclemys terrapin terrapin. Virginia
dnr.sc.gov/marine/crabtraps Herpetological Society.
8 Interesting Facts about Diamondback
virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/
Brennessel, Barbara. Diamonds in the Terrapins. Discover Wildlife.
reptiles/turtles/northern-diamond-back-
Marsh: A Natural History of the Diamond- discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/
terrapin/northern_diamond-backed_ter-
back Terrapin. Waltham, Massachusetts: reptiles/facts-about-diamondback-terra-
rapin.php
Brandeis University Press, 2006 (reprint- pins
ed: 2021). Orenstein, R. Turtles, Tortoises and
Gibbons, W.J., Lovich, J., Tucker, A.,
Terrapins: Survivors in Armor. Firefly
Chavez, S., and Williard, S.A. “The effects FitzSimmons, N.N., and Greene, J.
Books, 2001.
of bycatch reduction devices on diamond- “Demographic and Ecological Factors
back terrapin and blue crab catch in the Affecting Conservation and Management “Temperature dependent sex determina-
North Carolina commercial crab fishery.” of the Diamondback Terrapin (Malacle- tion in the Diamond-backed Terrapin,”
Fisheries Research, 186, no. 1 (February mys terrapin) in South Carolina.” Chelo- Journal of Herpetology, 48, no. 4
2017): 94-101. nian Conservation and Biology, 4, no. 4 (December 2014): 466-470.
(January 2001): 66-74. www.jstor.org/stable/43287474
“Designing a Turtle-Proof Crab Trap.”
South Carolina Coastal Resources Grice Marine Laboratory. College of Kiawah Island Diamondback Terrapin
(SCDNR). Charleston. Project.
sccoastalresources.com/home/ gricemarinelab.cofc.edu www.kiawahterrapins.org
2017/4/13/brd
Grosse, A.M., Daniel Van Dijk, J., Waddell Mariculture Research and
Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys Holcomb, K.L., and Maerz, J.C. “Diamond- Development Center. SCDNR.
terrapin), species profile. Savannah River back Terrapin Mortality in Crab Pots in a dnr.sc.gov/marine/mrri/waddell/index.
Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia. Georgia Tidal Marsh.” Chelonian Conser- html
srelherp.uga.edu/turtles/malter.htm vation and Biology, 8, no. 1 (2009):
Williard Lab at the University of North
98-100.
Diamondback Terrapin In-Water Capture Carolina Wilmington.
Rates. SCDNR. “Identifying Diamondback Terrapins.” williarda.com/research
dnr.sc.gov/wildlife/diamondbackterra- William & Mary, Virginia Institute of
pin/research/capturerates.html Marine Science.
vims.edu/research/units/projects/
terpsearch/_docs/id_diamondback_
terrapins.pdf
FALL/WINTER 2021 • 13the Consortium in a newly created role South Carolina, and Georgia. Her
Eleanor Pierel Chosen as interdisciplinary research and part- areas of expertise include coastal
for Knauss Fellowship nerships lead. Brita will continue to management, coastal change analysis,
foster existing partnerships and forge and soft-engineered coastal protection.
Consortium new ones as she works to build Taylor Allred
nominee research teams and develop actionable is serving as a
Eleanor “Ellie” science tailored to stakeholder needs. resilience graduate
Pierel has been Jessen earned a Ph.D. in oceanog- assistant. He is
selected for the raphy from the University of Rhode working with the
prestigious Dean Island and a B.A. in biology from Consortium and
John A. Knauss Wellesley College. She previously partners to com-
Marine Policy was the research coordinator for the pile information TAYLOR ALLRED
Fellowship, ELEANOR PIEREL Rookery Bay National Estuarine on what South PHOTO/S.C. SEA GRANT
providing her PHOTO/S.C. SEA GRANT Research Reserve in Florida. Carolina’s local CONSORTIUM
CONSORTIUM
the opportunity communities are doing to plan for
to spend a year living, working, and resilience in the face of natural disas-
learning in the Washington, D.C., ters and environmental change.
area. This competitive fellowship Allred’s work will help inform the S.C.
is offered by the National Oceanic Office of Resilience in their develop-
and Atmospheric Administration’s ment of the first statewide resilience
National Sea Grant College Program. plan.
Recipients are matched with host Allred holds a B.A. from the
organizations in the legislative and BRITA JESSEN KATIE FINEGAN
University of Virginia, with a major
PHOTOS/S.C. SEA GRANT CONSORTIUM
executive branches of government, and in history and a minor in economics.
the fellowship begins in February 2022. Katie Finegan, PE, recently joined He is currently enrolled in the College
Pierel earned a B.A. in environ- the Consortium as coastal processes of Charleston’s Master of Public
mental studies from George program specialist, a position shared Administration program. Prior to
Washington University, an M.S. in with the Burroughs and Chapin joining the Consortium, Allred was
geography from the University of Center for Marine and Wetland an energy policy manager for Southern
South Carolina (USC), and she is a Studies at Coastal Carolina University. Alliance for Clean Energy, a financial
candidate for a Ph.D. in geography Finegan will contribute her technical analyst for Regulatory Research
from USC. During her fellowship, Ellie knowledge to provide a wider range of Associates, and a senior analyst for
hopes to help integrate science into services to those requesting science- SNL Financial.
federal policies and regulations. based information and assistance
For more information about the about coastal processes—the connec-
Knauss and other fellowship opportu- tion between upland watersheds and Consortium
nities, visit www.scseagrant.org/ the ocean, coastal hazards, and how to Revitalizes S.C. Clean
available-fellowships. enhance resilience to these hazards. Marina Program
Finegan earned an M.E. and a
B.S. in environmental engineering, The Consortium has taken
Consortium Staff both from North Carolina State the lead on coordinating the South
Hires University. Prior to joining the Carolina Clean Marina program.
Consortium, Finegan was an engineer Initiated in 1998 by the S.C. Marine
The S.C. Sea Grant Consortium with Moffatt & Nichol where she Association, the program continues
has welcomed three new staff worked on coastal-, water resource-, today as a partnership between
members. and environmental-engineering proj- the Consortium, S.C. Department
Brita Jessen, Ph.D., recently joined ects in Virginia, North Carolina, of Health and Environmental
14 • Coastal HeritageControl-Office of Ocean and Coastal technical advisory committee, which
Resource Management (SCDHEC- provides guidance and assistance with
OCRM), and S.C. Department of training workshops and site inspec-
Natural Resources (SCDNR) to tions, is comprised of representatives
protect and improve water quality. from SCDHEC-OCRM, SCDNR,
Currently, 23 marinas are certified as and industry professionals.
Clean Marinas. Program coordinators Contact April Turner, coastal
have a goal of adding 10 certified communities program specialist,
Clean Marinas each year. A training at april.turner@scseagrant.org
workshop was held in August 2021 or (843) 953-2073 for more infor-
with participation from 11 marinas, mation.
including five that need recertification
and six new marinas interested in
program designation. Planning is New Report Examines
underway for another training work- Coastal Economic
shop in spring 2022. Benefits
In order to be certified in this
voluntary program, marinas pay a South Carolina’s beaches and sand dunes, provide people with jobs,
modest fee of $250, which helps cover barrier islands produce a wide variety recreational opportunities, coastal
the cost of training, inspection, and of economic benefits, contributing to protection, critical habitat for bird and
certification material. Marinas must the culture, lifestyle, and well-being of turtle species, and aesthetic beauty.
meet certain characteristics, including residents and visitors. The state boasts The Economic Benefits of South
design considerations, marina manage- an impressive 35 barrier islands which Carolina’s Beaches and Barrier Islands is
ment, emergency planning, fuel is second only to Florida in number. a recently published report by the S.C.
control, proper sewage and waste These barrier islands’ beaches and Sea Grant Consortium that delves into
disposal, stormwater control, habitat associated habitats, such as wetlands, the economic benefits these habitats
protection, and boater education. A salt marshes, maritime forests, and offer. Based on available data from a
variety of sources, beaches and barrier
islands in the state annually provide
billions of dollars in economic benefits,
from recreation and tourism to con-
sumption of seafood. Furthermore,
coastal habitats supply direct or indi-
rect economic benefits that humans
get from nature, a concept known as
ecosystem services. This report covers
the following economic benefits
derived from ecosystem services:
recreation; coastal protection due to
wetlands; sea turtle habitat; carbon
storage; water quality protection; water
supply protection; and property value
enhancement.
To read the report, visit www.
scseagrant.org/wp-content/uploads/
Economic-Benefits-of-Beaches-Barrier-
PHOTO/SHELLY MCCOMB/S.C. SEA GRANT CONSORTIUM Islands.pdf.
FALL/WINTER 2021 • 15ar
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Ocean Sciences S.C. Association for National Watershed
Meeting Hazard Mitigation and Stormwater
Virtual Conference Conference
February 27-March 4, 2022 Hilton Head, South Carolina St. Petersburg, Florida
March 13-16, 2022 April 26 -29, 2022
This virtual conference will focus
on strengthening the ocean sciences The theme for this annual con- This conference will provide a
community by discussing research while ference is “Building Resiliency.” The forum for professionals to learn how to
making scientific and social connec- conference will highlight activities increase the resiliency of communities
tions. Organizers hope to enable as that have proven effective in protect- in response to emerging and persistent
many people as possible to meet across ing people and property from the threats to water resources — from
media, disseminating scientific knowl- impact of floods and storms, and the headwaters to coasts. The conference
edge, and creating personal connections importance of maintaining these core will include technical presentations,
all while considering the ocean and activities through comprehensive case studies, panel discussions, and
planet. For more information, visit hazard-mitigation efforts. Visit www. workshops. For more information, visit
www.aslo.org/osm2022. scahm.org for more information. www.cwp.org/2022-national-conference.
Subscriptions are free upon request by contacting: susan.ferris.hill@scseagrant.org
ATTENTION SCHOOL TEACHERS! The S.C. Sea Grant Consortium has designed supplemental classroom resources for this and past issues of
Coastal Heritage magazine. Coastal Heritage Curriculum Connection, written for K-12 educators and their students, is aligned with the South
Carolina state standards for the appropriate grade levels. Includes standards-based inquiry questions to lead students through explorations of
the topic discussed. Curriculum Connection is available online at www.scseagrant.org/coastal–heritage–curriculum–connection.
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