The purpose of these rules amendments is to provide additional conservation of diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) that may encounter blue crab traps. The effect of the rule amendments would be to reduce bycatch of diamondback terrapins in blue crab traps by modifying blue crab trap gear requirements to require a maximum rigid throat size in recreational blue crab traps year-round and statewide, and to require a maximum rigid throat size in commercial blue crab traps within specific Terrapin Bycatch Reduction Zones (TBRZ) seasonally by January 1, 2024.