DEP ISSUES ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER CLOSING DIAMONDBACK TERRAPIN SEASON

TERRAPIN IS ONLY TURTLE SPECIES THAT LIVES IN COASTAL MARSHES

(15/P17) TRENTON – Due to pressures from increased harvesting of northern diamondback terrapins in coastal areas of New Jersey, Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin has signed an Administrative Order closing the remainder of the commercial harvest season for this turtle species.

The diamondback terrapin is the only species of turtle that lives in the brackish waters of New Jersey\’s coastal marshes and estuaries. The commercial harvest closure is effective immediately.