Wildlife agency seeks kayaking volunteers for turtle-counting event

CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WWAY) — The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) invites the public to participate in the 2025 Terrapin Tally, a volunteer-supported survey event conducted each spring to learn more about Diamondback Terrapins.

According to a press release, these small, aquatic turtles live near coastal marshes, estuaries and tidal creeks, and are listed in North Carolina as a Species of Special Concern and a Species of Greatest Conservation Need.

“We need to build a robust data set to reach our goal of more fully understanding the condition of this Species of Special Concern in North Carolina,” says NCWRC Eastern Wildlife Diversity Supervisor Hope Sutton. “The continued efforts of community volunteers through the Terrapin Tally moves us closer to this goal.”

Participants supply their own kayaks and mobile phones. A mandatory training session will take place Saturday, April 12 from 10 a.m. to noon at Carolina Beach State Park Visitor Center and Hammocks Beach State Park Visitor Center. A virtual training is also offered. Registration is required to participate.