John,

Between 60,000 and 80,000 diamondback terrapins drown in crab traps each year.

Lured into underwater cages by bait, the beautiful turtles can't escape to breathe — and they die painfully. These drownings have decimated their populations, and they may soon be protected under the Endangered Species Act.

In the meantime there’s a simple and cost-effective solution to the crab-trap problem: bycatch-reduction devices, which narrow traps’ entrances so terrapins can’t get in. Decades of studies have shown that bycatch-reduction devices protect terrapins from crab traps without affecting crab harvests.

The Center for Biological Diversity has petitioned Virginia to require these commonsense devices on all recreational crab traps — and you can help.

Tell the Virginia Marine Resources Commission to mandate bycatch-reduction devices and save these beautiful, beloved turtles.