Draft of 2007 Maryland Terrapin Regulations

EXPLANATION [Brackets] indicate text deleted from existing regulation.
Underlined text is new to existing regulation. Draft Diamondback Terrapin Regulations 08.02.06.02.02 Terrapin. A. [Size. A person may not catch or possess a diamondback terrapin, whether it was caught within the State or within any other state, territory, or country, that is less than 4 inches or greater than 7 inches in length measured across the greatest length of the free edges of the plastron parallel to the midline from the front of the diamondback terrapin to the back. B.] Eggs. A person may not possess, destroy, or disturb in any manner diamondback terrapin eggs. [C. Season. A person may not take or possess diamondback terrapin during the period from November 1 through July 31.D. Pets. The provisions of this regulation relating to size and season do not apply to a person who owns not more than three diamondback terrapins kept as pets.E. Permits. A person catching diamondback terrapins for commercial purposes must hold a valid diamondback terrapin permit issued by the Department of Natural Resources and be licensed to fish for commercial purposes in accordance with Natural Resources Article, ____4-701 and 4-902, Annotated Code of Maryland.1. Permits issued by the Department shall be valid beginning on August 1 and expiring on October 31 each year.2. Applications for permits must be received between June 1 and July 31 of each calendar year.3. Permits issued by the Department are not transferable.4. A person permitted by the Department to harvest diamondback terrapin shall record the harvest of diamondback terrapin on the permit and on the Daily Commercial Fisheries Catch Log and submit the information to the Department by December 1 following the permitted season.F.] B. A person may not catch or possess diamondback terrapins unless provided by scientific, educational, or aquaculture permit.C. Diamondback terrapins may not be kept as pets, except for those diamondback terrapins legally in a person’s possession as a pet prior to August 1, 2007 and registered with the Department.D. All crab pots set for recreational purposes shall be equipped with a turtle reduction device as required in 08.02.03.07B. Public comment on this draft regulation may be submitted via fax, 410-260-8278 or email comments to Harley Speir.