Testing terrapin bycatch reduction devices

Cypress Ambrose ’24

 

Terrapins frequently drown in Virginia’s blue crab fishery, as bycatch reduction devices (BRDs) are not required. To examine potential alternatives to BRDs, we designed a prototype of a “terrapin release hatch,” constructed of bungee cords to allow terrapins to escape traps and to retain crabs. Based on results of an eight-week field study, however, three versions of the prototype were unsuccessful, and further tests will be required to develop an inexpensive, functional terrapin release hatch. In the meantime, efforts will focus on getting VA to include BRD regulations in their crab fishery, in line with all other mid-Atlantic states.