Ban To Halt Malaclemys terrapin Collection A Massive Conservation Victory
New York’s quintessential chelonian, Malaclemys terrapin, is finally receiving the protection it deserves. The species is heavily collected for food consumption and populations have not bounced back following the massive collection rates of the 20th century. The state Department of Environmental Conservation has determined that the turtles are officially in decline and so has decided to end harvesting for good. Starting in May, it will become illegal to commercially harvest Malaclemys terrapin in the state of New York. In addition to harvesting dangers, a major cause of their decline is from accidental capture by fisherman; as a result, traps are now required to be altered in order to prevent the turtles from becoming caught. Turtle conservationists are relieved and ecstatic that these terrapins are finally being protected, as this is an incredibly vital conservation victory towards the future preservation of these beautiful creatures.
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Ecology
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Photo from Randee Daddona.
