Our Mission is Community-Based Conservation
Our mission is to affect sustainable harvest of queen conch through research, education and collaboration with local communities, the Bahamian government and other nongovernmental organizations (NGOs).
Accomplishments and Goals
Accomplishments
- Conducted conch surveys in 10 locations from 2009-2015
- Initiated research in 2011 on the relationship of lip thickness to sexual maturity and replicated the study in 2012 in another location arriving at the same results. A 15mm lip thickness is needed for 50% of female conch to be sexually mature and capable of reproducing.
- Produced five scientific papers documenting the methods and results of the research.
- Methods for this research were replicated in Belize and Barbados with same results.
- Collaborated with The Shedd Aquarium to continue periodic comparison surveys of queen conch densities.
- Communicated the results to the Department of Marine Resources, the Bahamas National Trust, the Nature Conservancy, the Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation and other marine NGOs for further contemplation of changes in recreational and commercial fishing regulations and export rules.
- Communicated findings to local students and communities thru My Science, My Conch outreach program
- The most recent scientific paper specific to the Bahamas (2018) was instrumental in changing policies for export and landing in the shell.
Goals
- Work with local fishermen to develop co-management for conching grounds with the Department of Marine Resources and find seasonal alternative livelihoods for fishermen.
- Continue to talk to upcoming scientists about how that might extend this work
- Keep conch management throughout the Caribbean in the news through Community Conch website and Facebook page.