A push to protect terrapins

Worried that Maryland's state reptile is being fished out of existence, lawmakers are pushing for a ban on the commercial harvest of terrapins.

Del. Virginia Clagett, who filed a bill last week, said the harvest should be stopped so scientists can get a better handle on just how many terrapins there are in the Chesapeake Bay and how much protection they need.

"I think there are a lot of people concerned," said Ms. Clagett, D-West River.

Back in 2001, Ms. Clagett served on a task force to study the diamondback terrapin. Members had hoped to determine whether, in fact, the turtles were in trouble.

"It wasn't totally...