As lead author on this Biological Conservation publication, I investigated long-term population declines in diamondback terrapins, drawing on over two decades of mark–recapture data. The study provided rare, quantitative evidence linking crab trap bycatch to shifts in population size, age structure, and sex ratios. I led the development of the manuscript, integrating complex longitudinal data into a clear, cohesive narrative suitable for a high-impact conservation journal. This work demonstrates my ability to structure and communicate technically complex findings while preserving scientific rigor and clarity for publication-ready results.