Diamondback Terrapin Survey

Inland Bays Participatory Science Program

Thank you for being a part of the annual Center for Inland Bays (CIB) Volunteer Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) Survey! This story map will give you everything you need to know to help us complete our survey of the Terrapin population in Rehoboth, Indian River, and Little Assawoman Bays.

Diamondback Terrapin catches a breath while swimming

Diamondback Terrapin catches a breath while swimming.

This count launched to utilize volunteers such as yourself to conduct standardized surveys, otherwise known as “headcounts,” in search of terrapins along Delaware's coastal waterways and tidal tributaries. We are also conducting a count on land as well. The data collected from the Diamondback Terrapin Survey will be used to keep terrapins healthy and safe by identifying high-priority waterways in need of protection and prioritizing shoreline conservation in areas that are of high value to terrapins.

Instructions

Keep your eyes open for Diamondback terrapins

Two different surveys will be used for this terrapin count. One is for water-based counts and the other is for land-based counts. It's important to know which type of count you will be doing so that you fill out the correct survey. It is also important to note that both surveys must be filled out during daylight hours and within two hours of low tide.

Safety Instructions For Both Surveys:

Safety first image

  • All volunteers have to fill out a  liability waiver , including adults who accompany minors.
  • Surveys are not to be filled out during thunderstorms or poor weather conditions like high wind speeds or intense cloud cover.
  • Closed-toed shoes are required, such as rubber boots or old sneakers, and the use of insect repellent and sunscreen is highly recommended.
  • Be on the lookout for hazardous debris or tripping hazards.
  • Bay water can hold bacteria that may cause infections in open wounds, like cuts or puncture wounds, so be cautious of touching the water if you have such injuries.
  • If you sustain any injury while filling out the survey, inform the project manager immediately, regardless of how minor the injury is. See a medical professional if you are worried about any potential infections.
  • For the water survey, life jackets are required for all boating/paddling trips.
  • Be sure not to take any risks; your safety is very important!

Comprehensive Map Showing All Land And Water Survey Locations

Click the bookmarks to the left of the map to see the land-based and water-based survey count locations. Click on the blue points to get directions to that location.

Delaware Center for Inland Bays Diamondback Terrapin Count Land and Water Survey Map App

Land Survey


Water Survey


Volunteer Resources

Wind Speed Estimation using the Beaufort Wind Scale

Land Based Survey Resources

Water Based Survey Resources

Little Assawoman Bay Resources


2023 Diamondback Terrapin Count Photo Gallery


Want to learn more about Diamondback Terrapins? Diamondback Terrapins are an incredibly unique turtle as they are the only species in North America known to inhabit brackish water (a mix of salt and fresh water). Furthermore, the Diamondback Terrapin is considered a keystone predator of herbivorous crabs and snails in salt marsh ecosystems across the East Coast of the United States, which means terrapins play a critical role in the maintenance of vegetation and overall marsh health. Unfortunately, the species is in decline throughout its range due to a variety of threats like habitat loss, road mortality, nest predation, and mortality from crab pots. In Delaware, Diamondback Terrapins are listed as a  Tier 2A Species of Greatest Conservation Need  which means populations are at very low levels and/or occur within a very limited distribution. Learn more about Diamondback Terrapins » You can directly help Delaware's Diamondback Terrapins by joining our Diamondback Terrapin Survey!

Credits

Diamondback Terrapin Survey, Inland Bays Participatory Science Program, Delaware Center for Inland Bays 2024

Google Earth Maps

Delaware Center for Inland Bays

Tide Charts

Delaware Center for Inland Bays

Photographs

Delaware Center for Inland Bays

Story Map, Water-based and Land-based Survey

Ambre Crawford, Undergraduate Marine Science Major at the University of Delaware and Nicole Minni, GISP at the University of Delaware Water Resources Center with funding from the Delaware Center for Inland Bays.

Wind Speed Estimation using the Beaufort Wind Scale