| Project Description |
This study plan details research of the
diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin terrapin) in Chesapeake Bay in
response to a one-year FY- 02 congressional funding initiative. Our primary
objective, given this short time frame, is to establish baseline information
deemed most essential to the conservation management of the species with
potential provision for long-term funding. The research outlined herein
includes 2 separate elements: a survey study to establish the distribution and
relative abundance of diamondback terrapin in a major portion of the
Chesapeake Bay, and second, a baseline study of population genetics that will
provide a thorough understanding of the evolutionary relationships (e.g. gene
exchange) among geographically proximate and distal populations. Included in
the genetic study will be an effort to determine the genetic identity of
terrapin hibernacula and the effect of commercial harvest from such sites.
This work is consistent with the mission of the USGS to collaborate with
partners to facilitate the sound management of the Nations biological
resources.
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