Title: Testing a Terrapin Release Hatch as an Alternate to Bycatch Reduction Devices in the Blue Crab Fishery
Department: Biology
Description: This project aims to aid in the conservation of an endangered turtle species, the eastern diamondback terrapin, which are frequently caught and killed in traps meant for blue crabs on the east coast of the US. The hope is to design and implement a device that can be added to crab traps that will allow turtles to escape the traps without decreasing the catch of blue crabs. Additionally, a population study will be conducted on a local population of terrapins, which is an important conservational measure in tracking the numbers of an endangered population.
Hometown: Blacksburg, Virginia
Advisor: Randolph Chambers
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