"Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) enacted a regulation
effective April 1, 1999 which requires all recreational waterfront property
owners who set crab pots attached by rope , line or pole in front of their
property or privately owned pier or dock to attach a Crab Pot Bycatch
Reduction Device (CPBRD) to each funnel or entrance to the lower chamber of
the crab pot. This action was taken as a conservation effort to prevent
air-breathing animals (turtles and muskrats) from entering and drowning in
crab pots".

For more information about this regulation visit the following website.
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/regulations/crabpot-trd/crabpottrd.html
This site has excellent pictures of the trap you should be using.

Last year I bought two new traps at a shop here in Ocean City. I asked if they were regulation compliant and was told "yes". Looking at the picture I call tell you that the trap does not have the required escape for the turtle. Before you buy take a look at the picture so you won't be mislead.