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The Newsletter of the Diamondback Terrapin Working Group Volume 4 Issue 1 Winter/Spring 2017

7th Symposium Wrap-up
T
he Diamondback Terrapin Working Group held our 7th Symposium on the Ecology,
Status, and Conservation of the Diamondback Terrapin from October 28-30, 2016 in
Fairhope, Alabama. With this meeting, 60 participants from all over the country
continued the tradition of coming together as a community of diamondback terrapin
researchers, managers, and enthusiasts started at the first Workshop in 1994.
The Symposium was a time to reflect on the work we’ve done,
celebrate our accomplishments over the last three years, and plan
for the future of diamondback terrapins. We had a record 46
presentations, including four oral and 10 poster presentations by
students. In addition, Peter Paul van Dijk, Turtle Conservation Program
Director, Global Wildlife Conservation, joined us to lead a discussion
on the IUCN Red List update for terrapins.
For the first time, we gave student presentation awards (page 3) and
provided $4,500 in travel support for students attending the meeting.
2016 Meeting Wrap-up
3-4
2016 Business Meeting
5
Terrapin Conservation Award
6
Giving Tuesday / Publications
7
Terrapin Times - Volume 4, Issue 1 - Winter/Spring 2017 - Diamondback Terrapin Working Group - http://www.dtwg.org
2
DEDICATED TO DIAMONDBACK TERRAPIN RESEARCH, CONSERVATION, MANAGEMENT, AND EDUCATION
The Diamondback Terrapin Working Group was formed in 2004 by individuals from academic,
scientific, regulatory and private institutions/organizations working to promote the conservation of the
diamondback terrapin, the preservation of intact, wild terrapin populations and their associated
ecosystems throughout their range. The Diamondback Terrapin Working Group is committed to and
supports research, management, conservation, and education efforts with the above goals in mind.

OFFICERS AND REGIONAL
REPRESENTATIVES
Senior Co-Chair
Christina Mohrman,
Northern Gulf of Mexico
Sentinel Site Cooperative

Junior Co-Chair
Amanda Williard,
University of North
Carolina Wilmington

Secretary
Sarah Finn, NC Wildlife
Resources Commission

Treasurer
Joe Butler, University of
North Florida

Past Co-Chairs
Russell Burke, Hofstra
University
Willem Roosenburg, Ohio
University
Joe Butler, University of
North Florida
Northeast Representative
Alex Kanonik, Wild Metro

Mid-Atlantic
Representatives
Randy Chambers, College
of William and Mary
Stephanie Egger, NOAA

Southeast Representatives
Brian Crawford, University
of Georgia
Andrew Grosse, SC
Department of Natural
Resources

Florida Representatives
Ben Atkinson, Flagler
College
Kristen Hart, USGS

Gulf Representatives
Tom Mohrman, The Nature
Conservancy
Will Selman, Millsaps
College

Terrapin Times is the biennial newsletter of the
Diamondback Terrapin Working Group
Editor Christina Mohrman


The Diamondback Terrapin Working Group (DTWG) is a
501(c)(3) non-profit organization
Credit: Christina Mohrman f

Join the DTWG Listserv

www.dtwg.org
Find us on Facebook
Terrapin Times - Volume 4, Issue 1 - Winter/Spring 2017 - Diamondback Terrapin Working Group - http://www.dtwg.org
3

7th Symposium Wrap-up
Photo Credits: Applied Wildlife Conservation Lab (via Facebook), Lindsey Ramirez, Christina Mohrman, and Tom Mohrman David Zailo (right), Best Oral Presentation winner,
and John Maerz, his committee member (left).
Sarah Edmunds (left) and Olivia Brooks (right), first
and second place Poster Presentation winners.
Lindsey Ramirez, third place Poster Presentation
winner.
(continued from cover page) Willem Roosenburg
received the 2016 Terrapin Conservation Award
(page 6), recognizing his decades-long commitment
to terrapin research and conservation in Maryland
and range wide.
Christina Mohrman, Meeting Organizer and DTWG
Co-Chair, said “terrapins challenge us to work
harder, to improve our scientific understanding of the
species as a whole and the needs of individual
populations. We are fortunate to work in a group that
is passionate, generous, supportive, and friendly - a
group capable of taking on the work terrapins
need.”
The 8th Symposium on the Ecology, Status, and
Conservation of the Diamondback Terrapin will be
hosted by Amanda Southwood Williard in Wilmington,
North Carolina in 2019. WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!
Best Student Oral Presentation
David M. Zailo, University of Georgia
The use of recreational GPS logger and drone technology
to study diamondback terrapins near Jekyll Island, GA

First Place—Student Poster Presentation
Sarah Edmunds, Miami University, Wildlife Conservation
Society
The telltale of turtles: cues used by raccoons to find
diamondback terrapin nests

Second Place—Student Poster Presentation
Olivia Brooks, Ohio University
Decomposition rate of the diamondback terrapin
(Malaclemys terrapin) in crab pots

Third Place—Student Poster Presentation
Lindsey C. Ramirez, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Does elevated salinity induce a physiological response in
Texas diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin littoralis)?
Terrapin Times - Volume 4, Issue 1 - Winter/Spring 2017 - Diamondback Terrapin Working Group - http://www.dtwg.org
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7th Symposium
Program and
Abstracts online
here
Peter Paul vanDijk, Red List Update
Saturday Night Social at Baytreat
Poster Session
Silent Auction Fundraiser
Welcome from Christina Mohrman
Terrapin Times - Volume 4, Issue 1 - Winter/Spring 2017 - Diamondback Terrapin Working Group - http://www.dtwg.org
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2016 Business Meeting
2013-2016 Goals
 Increase DTWG visibility and outreach with newsletter and Facebook page
 Provide online membership registration and renewal and PayPal payment
 Renew emphasis on hosting regional meetings between national symposia
 Support student participation at national symposium with travel grants and
presentation awards
Joe Butler, Treasurer, provided a finance report. As of October, 2016 the DTWG general account had a balance of
$5,848 (symposium funds are managed in a separate meeting account). Disbursements included: $4,500 in
student travel awards for the 2016 national symposium, $4,165 in research/conservation grants for 2015 and
2016, and a $1,000 donation to the Turtle Survival Center (Turtle Survival Alliance) after severe flooding damaged
their facility in 2015.
Sarah Finn, our incoming Secretary, gave a membership update. The DTWG had 85 members in 2016, including
13 lifetime members and 19 student members. The group discussed raising dues to generate additional funds
towards future grant awards; the DTWG board of directors will continue this discussion and investigate options as
one of our three-year goals.
After those updates, Christina Mohrman (DTWG Senior Co-Chair), reported on our progress on the 2013-2016
three-year goals; she was happy to announce we accomplished all of the goals established at our 2013 business
meeting. From there, discussion for the rest of meeting centered on developing our next set of goals and ways to
strengthen the DTWG over the next three years. We welcome your suggestions and further discussion.
2016-2019 Goals
1. Identify priority terrapin
research, conservation, and
management issues
2. Develop goals based on those
priority issues
3. Review current dues and grant
award structures for possible
improvements
4. Develop a webinar series to
improve communication and
collaboration, share DTWG grant
funded projects
F
ifteen DTWG officers and members met at
Baytreat Camp in Fairhope, AL on October 28,
2017 to discuss business and plan goals for the
next three years.
Terrapin Times - Volume 4, Issue 1 - Winter/Spring 2017 - Diamondback Terrapin Working Group - http://www.dtwg.org
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2016 Terrapin Conservation Award
by: Joe Butler
The 2016 Terrapin Conservation
Award was presented to Dr. Willem
M. Roosenburg, one of
the
founders and first co-chairs of the
Diamondback Terrapin Working
Group. Willem earned his Ph.D.
from University of Pennsylvania
and has been a professor of
Biology at Ohio University since
1995. He has been a leader in the
study of diamondback terrapin
research for three decades, and
has mentored and advised
numerous undergraduates, MS,
and Ph.D. students many of whom
have become successful biologists
in their own right.
Some of Willem’s
significant
research contributions
include
studies in temperature dependent
sex determination in terrapins, nesting requirements, egg and clutch size variations, the effects
of various pollutants on growth, head starting hatchlings, and hatchling emergence. He may
be most well-known for his work on terrapin mortality in crab pots, and the use of Bycatch
Reduction Devices (BRDs) which can preclude a significant segment of populations from
entering the pots. His efforts have resulted in a regulation requiring the use of BRDs on crab
pots in Maryland. Further, Willem’s research in the
Chesapeake Bay and testimony to the Maryland
General Assembly
led to the closure of
the
commercial harvest of diamondback terrapins in that
state.
Willem has over 30 peer-reviewed publications, most
of them concerning diamondback terrapins, however
he and his students have worked with other turtle
species and snakes over the years. His efforts have
resulted in nearly $1 million in grant funding to support
his projects. Willem is involved with other larger
herpetological groups as a meeting organizer, editor,
committee member, manuscript and grant proposal
reviewer, etc. He is editor (with V.S. Kennedy) of the
soon to be released book, “Ecology and Conservation
of the Diamondback Terrapin” through Johns Hopkins
University Press.
Last, there is likely no one among us who has
captured, measured, and marked as many
diamondback terrapins as Willem Roosenburg.
Willem Roosenburg
(left)
receives
the 2016 Terrapin
Conservation Award from Joe Butler (right), 2013 winner.
Willem presenting on his Poplar Island,
MD work during the 7th Symposium.
Terrapin Times - Volume 4, Issue 1 - Winter/Spring 2017 - Diamondback Terrapin Working Group - http://www.dtwg.org
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New Terrapin Publications
Chavez, S. and A. Southwood Williard. 2017. The effects of bycatch reduction devices on diamondback
terrapin and blue crab catch in the North Carolina commercial crab fishery. Fisheries Research 186(1): 94
-101.
Outerbridge, M.E., R. O’Riordan, T. Quirke, and J. Davenport. 2017. Restricted diet in a vulnerable native
turtle, Malaclemys terrapin (Schoepff), on the oceanic islands of Bermuda. Amphibian and Reptile
Conservation 11(1) [General Section]: 25-35.
Rowe, C.L., R.J. Woodland, and S.A. Funk. 2017. Metabolic rates are elevated and influenced by
maternal identity during early, yolk-dependent, post-hatching period in an estuarine turtle, the
diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin). Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A:
Molecular & Integrative Physiology 204: 137-145.
Woodland, R.J., C.L. Rowe, and P.F.P. Henry. 2017. Changes in habitat availability for multiple life stages
of diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) in Chesapeake Bay in response to sea level rise.
Estuaries and Coasts. DOI: 10.1007/s12237-017-0209-2
Zychowski, G.V. and C.A.J. Godard-Codding. 2017. Reptilian exposure to polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons and associated effects (critical review). Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 36(1): 25-
35.

First “GIVING TUESDAY” Success
We participated in Giving Tuesday, a global day to
celebrate and help causes through giving celebrated
every year the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Our members
and friends supported the ongoing work of the DTWG with
nearly $2,000 in donations. Your donations go directly to
help us to promote conservation and preservation of
intact, wild diamondback terrapin populations and their
habitats range wide.
DTWG awards ~$2,000 in grants annually, currently funded
by solely membership dues. We also recently increased
spending to support student participation in our national
symposia and occasionally make contributions to help
organizations in the turtle conservation community during
times of crisis. Donations are one of the few mechanisms
we have to replenish our general fund.
We appreciate the contributions of everyone who
donated, especially our anonymous donor who
contributed a $1,000 matching donation. THANK YOU!!!
You can donate to the
Diamondback Terrapin
Working Group online
anytime using our PayPal
Giving Fund page
$1,940 for terrapins!
Terrapin Times - Volume 4, Issue 1 - Winter/Spring 2017 - Diamondback Terrapin Working Group - http://www.dtwg.org
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Funding Roundup
Based on feedback at the DTWG Business Meeting, we’re adding a “funding roundup” as a new
feature in the newsletter. And, check out the announcement for the DTWG’s annual grant funding
opportunity on the next page. Good luck!

ABC Wildlife “Women in STEM” Scholarship
Scholarship amount: up to $1,000
Deadline: June 26, 2017 for the 2017-18 academic year
Who can apply: Graduate/undergraduate women in STEM majors

American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists Gaige Fund Award
American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists Raney Fund Award
Award amount: $400 to $1,000
Deadline: March 1, 2017
Who can apply: members of ASIH enrolled in an advanced degree program

Riverbanks Zoo Conservation Support Fund
Grant amount: $1,000 to $5,000
Deadline: June 1 and December 1
Who can apply: Anyone working on wildlife conservation projects (field conservation, habitat
management and preservation, zoo/aquarium-based programs, conservation education, and more)

Sigma Xi Grants-in-Aid of Research
Grant amount: $1,000
Deadline: March 1 and October 1
Who can apply: undergraduate and graduate students who need funds for travel to/
from research sites or for purchase of non-standard lab equipment

Sophie Danforth Conservation Biology Fund
Grant amount: $1,000
Deadline: June 1, 2017
Who can apply: Any organization (university, NGO, etc.) working on field studies or other projects with
a multi-disciplinary approach to conservation

Turtle Conservancy/Andrew Sabin Family Foundation Turtle Grants
Grant amount: up to $10,000 ($2,500 to $5,000 typical)
Deadline: rolling
Who can apply: individuals/organizations working on turtle conservation or research
Terrapin Times - Volume 4, Issue 1 - Winter/Spring 2017 - Diamondback Terrapin Working Group - http://www.dtwg.org
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DTWG IS CALLING FOR PROPOSALS FOR 2017
TERRAPIN PROJECTS
The Diamondback Terrapin Working Group (DTWG) is issuing a call for proposals for research/ education
involving conservation and management of diamondback terrapins.
Deadline: March 15, 2017
Grant amounts: In an effort to promote efforts that are most likely to leave a lasting effect on terrapin
conservation and management, the DTWG Board of Directors decided to increase the amount of our grants
to $1000.00. There will be two such awards this year.
Eligibility: Only proposals from DTWG members will be considered. A brief letter from the faculty mentor
should accompany student proposals. To become a member visit our website at www.DTWG.org.
Format: Proposals should consist of a cover page with the authors’ contact information including phone
and email information. The body should not exceed two pages (including literature cited), and authors must
use 12 point font with 1 inch margins. A separate budget page should include a table with requested funds
and total funds needed to complete the project and a budget justification that includes the availability and
access to additional funds for your project.
Cover page – 1 page
Name and contact information:
Project title:
Effective dates:
Total project costs:
Amount requested:
Body – 2 pages
Introduction detailing significance of work
Project Objectives or hypotheses
Methods and Materials
Timeline with metrics of success
Literature cited
Budget – 1 page
Table with total budget cost and amounts requested From DTWG
Budget Justification

Submission: Electronic submission, preferably as a .pdf file, to jbutler@unf.edu. Late submissions cannot be
considered.
Funding Limitations: The DTWG will not fund salaries or travel to meetings to present papers. Highest priority
will be given for proposals requesting essential material and supplies to initiate projects in regions with poorly
known populations or projects with high conservation relevance. Because of the limited nature of our grant
program, the DTWG will not fund indirect costs.
Awards: Funds will be awarded by May 1, 2017
Final Report: A detailed final report will be due to the DTWG by June 30, 2018.
Terrapin Times - Volume 4, Issue 1 - Winter/Spring 2017 - Diamondback Terrapin Working Group - http://www.dtwg.org
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Greetings to all members of the Diamondback Terrapin Working Group (DTWG)! It is time for your annual membership
renewal. Since 2009 all DTWG membership dues have gone to fund research on terrapins. We usually receive proposals
requesting over $20,000, and our grants committee selects the most promising ones for funding. In past years, we have funded
projects as diverse as testing BRDs on crab pots, genetic diversity, skeletochronology, mark-recapture and home range studies, to
name a few. Obviously, there is a need out there for these funds so please dig down and pay your dues.
We again intend to use all dues collected this year to fund grants, which we will award in spring 2017. We will announce grant
proposal requirements and a deadline date for submission by the end of this year. Of course, the first requirement is that the
awardees be members of DTWG. We anticipate collecting between $1000 and $2000 in dues and all that we collect will go to
these awards. Also remember that membership comes with the privilege of using the Bibliography page on the DTWG website.
Please Renew or Join Today

Regular Annual Membership








$25.00
Student Membership (Must be recommended by a university professor)




$10.00
Contributing Member









$40.00
Corporation or Society









$50.00
Sustaining Member









$75.00
Lifetime Membership (Names of Lifetime Members will be added to a list on the website)
$300.00
OPTION 1: Renew/Join online and pay with PayPal (no check necessary)
Visit our website at www.dtwg.org and click the link at the top of the homepage
OPTION 2: Renew/Join by mail and pay with a check payable to DTWG
Please send this form and your dues to: DTWG c/o Sarah Finn, NC Wildlife Resources Commission,
306 Hidden Valley Road, Wilmington, NC 28409
Name and Affiliation ________________________________________________________________________
Address ___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Office Phone __________________________________ Cell Phone __________________________________
Email ______________________________________________ Fax __________________________________

DTWG 2017
MEMBERSHIP
RENEWAL