Terrapin Protection Bill Signed

Gov. Chris Christie has signed a measure to protect a native New Jersey turtle known for living in salty marshes along the coast and sometimes falling victim to auto traffic during the shore's busy summer months.

The governor on Friday signed the bill into law, making it illegal to hunt or harvest diamondback terrapins. The state Senate in late May gave its final approval to the bill.

"We know that this species, which holds a special place in the hearts of residents of coastal areas as well as visitors, faces many threats and has been declining in numbers for many years now," New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin said in a May release. "Banning all harvesting is the right thing to do to ensure future generations can continue to enjoy seeing diamondback terrapins in the wild."
Entire article at
http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/down-the-shore/item/95473-gov-christie-signs-diamondback-terrapin-protection-bill-?utm_source=down-the-shore&utm_medium=social&utm_content=test&utm_campaign=social-inbound