Stock Assessment of the Queen Conch Population of Belize
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Transcript of Stock Assessment of the Queen Conch Population of Belize
STOCK ASSESSMENT OF THE QUEEN CONCH (Strombus gigas) POPULATION OF
BELIZE
By:
Ramon Carcamo Jr.
Belize Fisheries Department Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries
2006
________________________________________________________________________ Conch Stock Assessment 2006
2
ABSTRACT The Queen Conch, Strombus gigas, is one of the six species of the family Strombidae in the Western Atlantic region. Its geographic distribution extends from Florida throughout the Caribbean and into the northern coast of South America to Brazil. This Gastropod species has been Belize’s second largest marine export commodity for the past three decades. The exploitation of this species has contributed significantly to the well being of fishermen and the country’s economy. During the last decade the annual production of Queen Conch has ranged between 181.6t and 272.5t, which was exported to the United States of America. In 1992 the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora’s (CITES) placed the Queen Conch in Appendix II. Underwater visual surveys were conducted from Northern part of Bacalar Chico and along the barrier reef complex up to Sapodilla Cayes. Divers were responsible to count and take some morphometric data from each conch found within the transect area. Microsoft Excel program and SPSS statistical package was used to run descriptive statistics. Legal size conch abundance was estimated to be approximately 9,508,049(95% C.I., 6,355,871--12,660,224) individuals, which translated into 3,565,518 lbs (95% C.I., 2,383,452--4,747,584) of conch. Schaefer Model resulted in MSY to be 1,086,815 lbs (95% C.I., 811,371—1,369,515). Fox Model resulted in MSY to be 935,446 lbs (95% C.I., 745,741—1,140,173). Key Words: Maximum Sustainable Yield, Stock assessment, CITES
________________________________________________________________________ Conch Stock Assessment 2006
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INTRODUCTION The Queen Conch, Strombus gigas, Linnaeus, 1758, is a large marine gastropod mollusc
of the order Mesogastropoda. It is one of the six species of the family Strombidae in the
Western Atlantic region. Its geographic distribution extends from Florida throughout the
Caribbean and into the northern coast of South America to Brazil (Chakalall and
Cochrane, 1996; Wood, 1995; Tewfik, 1996). The Queen Conch has been one of the most
important fishery resources in the Caribbean region. Prior to the commercial exploitation,
the Queen Conch had been fished for subsistence and is still classified as an artisanal
fishery in Belize.
This Gastropod species has been Belize’s second largest marine export commodity for
the past three decades. The exploitation of this species has contributed significantly to the
well being of fishermen and the country’s economy. During the last decade the annual
production of Queen Conch has ranged between 181.6t and 272.5t, which was exported
to the United States of America. The United States imports approximately 80% of the
world’s trade, usually resulting in imports of more than 1,000 metric tons of conch meat a
year (NOAA, 2003).
In 1992 the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and
Flora’s (CITES) placed the Queen Conch in Appendix II. Appendix II lists species are
species that are not threaten presently with extinction, but may become so unless trade of
such species is subject to strict regulation to avoid utilization incompatible with their
survival. Trade in Appendix II listed species is allowed only under a permit and only if
such export will not threaten the survival of that species. In 2003 CITES placed embargo
________________________________________________________________________ Conch Stock Assessment 2006
4
on three conch exporting countries (Honduras, Haiti and the Dominican Republic) during
that same period CITES also gave an outline recommendations to several countries as
how to proceed in order to continue to export conch. Therefore, Belize was given a short
and long term actions to be taken, only to list a few were to establish a catch quota,
establish conversion standards and assess the conch population.
In 1996 a national conch survey was conducted. From the1996 survey it was determined
that the population of legal size conch in Belize was 2,259,000 (95% C.I. =1,570,000 -
3,760,000) at a mean weigh of 170 grams (6 oz) per individual. The Maximum
Sustainable Yield (MSY) was estimated to be approximately 190,000kg (420,000 lbs). It
was recommended that a conservative management approach be applied and that further
studies be undertaken. It was also determined that the population was dominated by
juveniles (approximately 70%) greater than 10 cm in length and that adults made up 20
percent of the population. The interpretation then could be that the population of Queen
Conch in Belize is overexploited and running the risk of stock collapse due to poor
spawning rates (Appeldoorn 1996).
In 2003 the Belize Fisheries Department conducted a national assessment of the Queen
Conch population in Belize. One of the conclusions was that the population of conch in
Belize had increased by three fold as compared to the results from the 1996 population
assessment. This increase in abundance was significant in the Northern and Central
fishing zones of Belize. It was also concluded that the no-take areas and deep water areas
consisted higher densities of conchs as compared to shallow fished areas. Another
important result of the assessment was that it was demonstrated how the marine reserves
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5
were effective management tools, because it was determine how marine reserves
consisted of higher abundance of adult conchs as compare to fished areas. The Maximum
Sustainable Yield was calculated to be 712,601.1 lbs (range: 633,278 – 959,241 lbs)
(Appeldoorn, 2003).
Also in 2004 the Fisheries Department conducted another national assessment of the
conch population in Belize. It was estimated the legal conch densities were significantly
higher in no-take zones in the marine reserves. Furthermore, adults were on average,
larger in deep areas, indicating that adult populations arise primarily from direct larval
settlement and not from migration from shallow areas. So, it was found the marine
reserves contained a high proportion of very small adults of conchs (Appeldoorn, 2004).
The objective of the project was to conduct a stock assessment of the Queen Conch
population of Belize and estimate the Potential Yield of the resource.
MATERIALS AND METHODS Study area:
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The Belize Barrier Reef Complex has been
classified as the second largest continuous reef
system in the Western Atlantic region
(Arrivillaga, 2004). The Belize Barrier Reef
exhibits the classic Barrier reef stratification
pattern as described by Rutzler and Macintyre
(1982). The reef complex includes an
emergent reef crest (within 20 cm of sea level)
along 57% of the total 257 km outer
continental shelf platform (Burke, 1982). The
reef complex has been described to have three
provinces, which the Northern Province
contains approximately 46 km of shallow-water from Rocky Point to Gallows Point. The
central province contains approximately 91 km of shallow- water reefs from Gallows
Point to Gladden Spit. While the southern province contains only 10 km of shallow-water
of barrier reef from Gladden Spit to the Sapodilla Cayes (Macintyre and Aronson, 1997).
Also Glover’s Reef and Lighthouse Reef Atoll have deep, well- circulated lagoons with
patch reefs. While Turneffe Atoll has shallow poorly circulated lagoon and fewer patch
reefs (Stoddart, 1962).
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Traditional conch fishing grounds are normally situated at the shallow (5-15 ft) back reef
waters usually populated with sea grass, sand and algae. Conch habitat distribution has
been observed to be found from the northern back reef of Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve,
which parallels the Barrier Reef complex and is directed due south including sea grass
beds and patch reefs. Conch habitat distribution continues down towards the Sapodilla
Cayes Marine Reserve, furthermore at the three atolls conch habitat is normally observed
to be along the inner periphery of the atolls.
Sampling:
The method used to quantify abundance was to conduct underwater visual surveys
whereby a belt transect was placed perpendicular from the coral reef crest, while being at
the back reef and aligned due west towards mainland. Each belt transect was 500 meters
long, which was made from nylon rope and a 2 lbs lead weight was attached at each end.
Two divers would dive along the transect line while being 2 meters apart on either side of
the transect line. The surveys geographic position was recorded using a Garmin hand-
held Global Positioning System (GPS). The zones surveyed were Bacalar Chico Marine
Reserve, Caye Caulker Marine Reserve, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Caye
Chapel/Gallow’s Point, South Water Marine Reserve, English Caye/Tobacco range, Port
Honduras Marine Reserve, Laughing Bird/Gladden Spit, Sapodilla Marine Reserve,
Lighthouse Reef atoll, Glover’s Reef atoll and Turneffe atoll. Each diver was responsible
to count and take some morphometric data from each conch found within the transect
area. Shell length (LTH) (tip of the spire to the siphonal canal) was measured to the
nearest millimeter using a measuring board. The shell lip thickness (LIP) (mid-lateral
region on the lip side of the shell approximately 40 mm in from the edge of the shell) was
measured to the nearest 0.1 mm also using sliding vernier calipers. Other data such as
depth, habitat description and other observation were also recorded. Furthermore,
samples of adult conchs were taken from each zone and other morphometric data were
gathered such as Total weight (g), Total length (mm), market clean weight (g) and fillet
weight (g).
Data analysis:
The data collected from each zone was reviewed and digitized in a Microsoft Excel
spreadsheet. Microsoft Excel program and SPSS statistical package was used to run
descriptive statistics. Also Global Information System (GIS) technology was in
ArcGIS(9.0) and a theme with shape-file layers of coral reef, marine habitat, marine
protected areas demarcation and Lansat of Belize to geographically plot the transects
(Annex 1). In addition it was used to estimate potential conch habitat areas along the
Barrier Reef complex (Annex 2). The length frequency data was sorted by size/age
classes as describe by Appledoorn (2003). The density of legal adult conch for each
transect was estimated as Density = ∑ x/a, where [x = number of individuals; a =
sampling unit area] and Mean density = [(∑ x/a) 1 + (∑ x/a)2+ …. + (∑ x/a)n]/n.
Furthermore, total abundance of legal adult conch was estimated as N = [(∑ x/a)1 + (∑
x/a)2+ ….+(∑ x/a)n]/n* A, where A = total conch habitat area. Potential yield was
estimated based on the Surplus Production models where the Schaefer and Fox models
were applied to estimate Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY).
>1-(Y/MB)< MB= MSY(Y/B)-2M
BM = F-2M
BM = MSY
F
2 2
S
exp
Potential Yield =
Assumption M = 0.5 and Y = 633,070 lbs.
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RESULTS
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Shell length – Lip thickness Relationship:
kness Regression relationship
The Shell lengt oor correlation
Shell Length-Lip thickness Relationshipn =142
y = 0.0328x + 12.82R2 = 0.0525
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350
Shell Length(mm)
Lip
thic
knes
s(m
m)
Fig.1 Shell length-Lip thic
h- Lip thickness relationship resulted as having a p
coefficient and was expressed as y = 0.0328x + 12.82 (R2 = 0.0525). It was observed that
5.2% of the variation in shell length was due to variation in lip thickness (Figure 1).
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otal Weight- Total Length Relationship:
Fig. 2 Total weight-Total length regression relationship
The lnTotal We oor correlation
Linear Regression
Regression (n = 146)
T
6.50
7.00
7.50
8.00
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lntw = 5.76 + 0.45 * lntlR-Square = 0.13
1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00
lntl
ight - lnTotal length relationship resulted as having a p
coefficient and was expressed as lnTotal weight = 5.76 + 0.45*lnTotal length (R2 = 0.13)
It was observed that 1.3% of the variation in Total weight was due to variation in Total
length (Figure 2).
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arket clean- Total length relationship:
The ln Market clean - lnTotal length relationship resulted as having a poor cor
oefficient and was expressed as lnMarket clean = 3.29 + 0.47*lnTotal length (R2 = 0.11)
It was observed that 1.1% of the variation in Market clean weight was due to variation in
Total length (Figure 3).
Linear Regression
M
4.00
4.50
5.00
5.50ln
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lnmclean = 3.29 + 0.47 * lnlength
R-Squar e = 0.11 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00
lnlength
Fig. 3 Market clean- Total length regression relationship
relation
c
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ender structure:
TABLE 1. The ratio between male and female conch
he prese
approximates a male to female ratio of 1:1 (Table 1 and Figure 5).
G
Fig. 4 F
SEX
SEX
MF
Perc
ent
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
ig. 5 SEX T nce of Male and female conchs were observed, which the male was identified
as having a verge and the females as having an egg groove (Figure 4). A total of 145
adult conch were scarified which resulted in 52.4% in males and 47.6% as females this
69 47.6 47.6 47.676 52.4 52.4 100.0
145 100.0 100.0
FMTotal
ValidFrequency Percent Valid Percent
CumulativePercent
________________________________________________________________________ Conch Stock Assessment 2006
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The mean lip thickness of adult conchs was estimated as 4.8 mm (s.d. = 4.39; n =
145). Younger adults appear to be more abundant in shallow back reef areas (Fig. 6).
Lip thickness frequency distribution:
LP
25.022.5
20.017.5
15.012.5
10.07.5
5.02.5
0.0
LP
Freq
uenc
y
60
40
30
20
10
0
Std. Dev = 4.39 Mean = 4.8
N = 145.00
50
Fig 6. Shell lip thickness frequency distribution
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otal length frequency distribution:
Fig. 7 Total shell length distribution A total of 5,545 conchs were observed in 153 transects, which resulted in 54% to be
considered sub-legal size .8 cm. Furthermore, 46%
T
LENGTH FREQUENCY OF QUEEN CONCHn = 5,545
-200
0
200
400
600
800
1000
15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120 135 150 165 180 195 210 225 240 255 270 285 300
LENGTH(mm)
or having a total length less than 17
were considered as legal size conchs, which were greater than 17.8 cm total length. A
histogram distribution plot resulted in the identification of three possible cohorts in the
present population (Figure 7).
FREQ
UEN
CY
2006
1+
2+ 3+
-legal=54% al = 46%
SubLeg
MEAN LENGTH OF CONCH FOUND AT THE 12 SITES
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
200
220
240
SouthWaterCaye MPA
Hol_Chan MPA
Sapodilla Cayes MPA
Turneffe Atoll
English Caye/Tobacco
Glover's Reef Atoll
Port Honduras MPA
Caye_Caulker MPA
LightHouse Reef_Atoll
Laughing_Bird/Gladden Spit
Bacalar_Chico MPA
Caye_Chapel/GallowsPt
SITE
MEA
N L
ENG
TH(m
m)
Mean Length
Fig. 9 Mean shell length of conchs found at the 12 sites surveyed
The mean shell length of conchs found at each site was estimated, which resulted in that
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South Wate e Reserve,
r Caye Marine Reserve, HolChan Marine Reserve, Sapodilla Marin
Turneffe Atoll, English Caye/Tobacco Range, Glover’s Reef Atoll and Port Honduras
Marine Reserve to be 143.6 mm,144.8, 155.3 mm, 158 mm, 163.4 mm, 172.6 and 175.3
mm respectively. While, Caye Caulker Marine Reserve resulted with a mean length of
178.3 mm (7 inches), also it was estimated Lighthouse Reef atoll had a mean length of
179.9 mm. In addition at Laughing Bird/Gladden Spit the mean length was estimated to
be 189.8 mm, and then at Bacalar Chico Marine reserve the mean length was 198.7 mm.
Furthermore, Caye Chapel/Gallows Point mean length was 213.5 mm (Figure 9).
Observed abundance:
OBSERVED CONCH FROM 153 TRANSECTS
-
500
1,000
1,500
2,000
2,500
CONCH
FREQ
UEN
CY
Series1 1 567 1,096 961 800 2,085 1,073 1,873
J_1 J_2 J_3 J_4 Legal Size Conch w/ Lip"adult"
ADULT > 17.8 cm TotLegconch
Fig. 8 Observed conch numbers from the 153 transects Only one (1) juvenile conch that was less than 5 cm total length (TL) was recorded, while
567 juveniles that ranged from 5 – 10 cm (TL) were found. Furthermore, 1,096 juveniles
________________________________________________________________________ Conch Stock Assessment 2006
16
en 10 -15 cm (TL) were observed. Also it was observed that larger
veniles classified to range from 15-17.8 cm (TL) were recorded to amount to 961
individuals. However, during the survey it was observed that approximately 800 juvenile
conchs were found, which were considered legal to be fished. Nevertheless, it was also
observed that 2,085 adult conch with “flared shell lip” were encountered during the
survey. Though, of this value only 51.4% adult conchs could be considered legal to be
harvest. Therefore, it was estimated that approximately 1,873 legal size conch were
encountered during the entire survey (Figure 8).
with total length betwe
ju
ESTIMATED JUVENILE ABUNDANCE:
ABUNDANCE OF JUVENILE CONCH (J_1--J_4)
-
1,000,000
2,000,000
3,000,000
4,000,000
5,000,000
6,000,000
JUVENILE
AB
UN
DA
NC
E(N
o/he
ctar
es)
Abundance 3,509 2,436,927 5,220,291 4,788,822
J_1 J_2 J_3 J_4
Fig. 9 Estimated abundance of Juveniles conchs
The abundance of juvenile conchs in the different size ranges was estimated, which
resulted in J_1 (>5 cm) to be approximately 3,509 individuals. Furthermore, J_2 (10-15
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cm) was estimated t was estimated that o amount to 2,436,927 individuals. In addition it
5,220,291 individuals of J_3 presently exists in the stock. Plus, J_4 conchs were
estimated to amount to 4,788,822 individuals (Figure 9).
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ENSITY DISTRIBUTION:
Fig. 10 Distribution of densities of adult conch at the sites
ensity was estimated for each site surveyed, which resulted in Hol Chan Marine
eserve to have the highest density with 483 conchs per hectare. This was second by
Northern Turne hs per hectare.
D
D
R
ffe atoll and was estimated to have a density of 183 conc
The other area of interest was known to be between Laughing Bird Caye and Gladden
Spit, and the estimated density was 156 conchs per hectare. Also Lighthouse Reef Atoll
resulted with 103 conchs per hectare. The density of Bacalar Chico, Caye Caulker Marine
Reserve, Caye Chapel/Gallows’ Point, South Water Caye Marine Reserve, Port Honduras
Marine Reserve, English Caye/Tobacco range, Glover’s Reef Atoll, and Sapodilla Caye
Marine Reserve resulted with 72.66,72.78, 18.44, 53.33, 31.11, 81.4,72.1 and 17.63
conchs per hectare respectively.
DENSITIES OF ADULT QUEEN CONCHn = 12 sites
-
100.00
200.00
300.00
400.00
500.00
SAMPLING SITES
DEN
SITY
600.00
No/
hact
ares
)(
Density(No./ha) 72.66 72.78 18.44 483.00 53.33 31.11 81.40 103.46 72.10 156.36 17.36 183.33
Bacalar Chico Caye CaulkerCaye
Chape/Gallow's Pt
Hol Chan MPA SWCMR
PortHonduras MPA
EnglishCaye/Tobaco
Half Moon Caye
Glover's Reef atoll
Laughing Bird/Gladden
spit
Sapodilla Cayes
Turneffe Atoll
SHALLOW WATER CONCH DENSITY
200
250
0
25
50
75
100
125
150
175
225
SITE
DE
NSI
TY
(NO
./hec
tare
s)
1996 6.64 2.97 15.03 14.3
2003 27.54 0 0 38.89
2004 214.34 0 0 43.95
2006 183.33 103 72.09 109.6
Turneffe Atoll LightHouse Atoll Glovers Reef Barrier Reef
________________________________________________________________________ Conch Stock Assessment 2006
19
conch along the Barrier r onchs/hectare. While, in
Fig. 11 Shallow water conch density
It was observed that conch densities have generally increased from three atolls (Turneffe,
Glover’s Reef and Lighthouse Reef atolls). In addition it was observed that the density of
eef in 1996 was estimated at 14.3 c
2003 the density increased to 38.89 conchs/hectare. Furthermore, it continued to increase
in 2004 to 43.95 conchs/hectare. However, in 2006 it was further observed that conch
density increased to 109.6 conchs/hectares (Figure 11). The density of conch found along
the barrier reef in 1996 increased by seven (7) fold in 2006(Figure 11).
________________________________________________________________________ Conch Stock Assessment 2006
20
OTENTIAL YIELD:
he estimated population of legal-sized conch in Belize was 9,508,049 (95% C.I. =
,355,871 – 12,660,224) individuals. At a mean value of 170 g (6 oz) per individual, the
itable biomass was approximately 1,620,690 kg (3,565,518 lb).
P
T
6
estimated average explo
Therefore, the Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) using the Schaefer Model resulted in
492,643 kg (1,083,815 lbs) (95% C.I. = 811,371 lbs – 1,369,515 lbs). The Maximum
Economic Yield (MEY) was estimated to be 722, 543 lbs. While, the Fox model resulted
with an MSY of 425,202 kg (935,446 lbs) (95% C.I. = 745,741 lbs – 1,140,173 lbs). The
MEY was estimated to be 623,631 lbs.
________________________________________________________________________ Conch Stock Assessment 2006
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ISCUSSION
o significant correlation was established between total length and lip thickness. Possibly
is because, conch grows in length in a spiral pattern in the juvenile stage, getting longer
at maturation they put out the flared lip. So, further shell growth occurs
D
N
it
as they age; but
only as thickening of the shell lip (Appeldoorn, 1997). Linear regression between market
clean meat and total length resulted in a weak correlation. Also applying linear regression
between total weight and total length resulted in a weak correlation. Possibly contributing
to the concept that meat weight increases clearly during juvenile growth. So, within about
a year of maturation meat weight ceases to increase. It is suspected that meat weight
declines in very old conch, as the decreased volume within the shell can no longer
accommodate a large amount of tissue. This type of growth pattern has been described as
deterministic growth (Appeldoorn, 1997). The spatial variations in growth and
morphology of conch have been also correlated to environmental habitat conditions
(Alcolado, 1976). So, the application of size limits to conch is not so simple and can
greatly affect the distribution of fishing effort in the different zones. On the other hand,
one of the oldest management measures taken in fisheries management is the application
of size limits or minimum size. The reason is to prevent the capture of fish considered
small, therefore allowing the fish to spawn at least once. This is to assist in maximizing
yield or maintaining spawning stock. Presently there is a size limit of 7 inches (17.8 cm)
conch shell length in Belize. The application of the concept to this species could be
adopted, because the common fishing method is by free diving and conchs is taken by
hand. This allows the fishers to be selective in capturing the conchs and also the
probabilities of surviving are greater when sub-legal conchs are returned in water.
________________________________________________________________________ Conch Stock Assessment 2006
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conch
ed when conch are
high densities. It was found mating does not occur with conch densities below 56
Nevertheless, the implementation of minimum size limit would cause spatial
heterogeneity in the capture of conch. Due to the deterministic growth behavior, conch
that matures at a size smaller than the legal size will never be legal to capture; also
that mature at a greater size than the legal size will be captured as juveniles (Appeldoorn,
1997). Caye Caulker Marine Reserve resulted with a mean length of 178.3 mm (7
inches), also it was estimated Lighthouse Reef Atoll had a mean length of 179.9 mm. In
addition at Laughing Bird/Gladden Spit site the mean length was estimated to be 189.8
mm, and then at Bacalar Chico Marine reserve the mean length was 198.7 mm.
Furthermore, Caye Chapel/Gallows Point site mean length was 213.5 mm. However, the
mean shell lengths at the other sites were considered below legal size.
The ratio between male and female conch was approximately 1:1; possible an indication
of the stock having good probabilities of reproducing and it is accelerat
in
ind/ha and spawning failed where densities were below 48 ind/ha, which attributed to the
“Allee effect”, where negative rates of per capita population growth occur below critical
population levels (Stoner and Ray-Culp, 2000). The densities at Bacalar Chico Marine
Reserve, Caye Caulker Marine Reserve, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, English
Caye/Tobacco range, Lighthouse Reef Atoll, Glover’s Reef Atoll, Laughing
Bird/Gladden Spit and Turneffe Atoll were greater than 56 ind/ha, possibly indicating
mating and spawning has been taking place there. However, densities were below 48
ind/ha at Caye Chapel/Gallos’ Point, Port Honduras Marine Reserve and Sapodilla Cayes
Marine Reserve. Therefore, there would be little probabilities mating and spawning has
________________________________________________________________________ Conch Stock Assessment 2006
23
5mm). Further length
equency analysis of total shell length resulted in the identification of 3 possible cohorts
.I.,
,383,452--4,747,584) of conch. Schaefer Model resulted in MSY to be 1,086,815 lbs
been taking place there. Estimates of densities resulted that Hol Chan MPA had the
highest density, which was followed by Turneffe atoll and an area from Laughing Bird to
Gladden Spit. Also it was observed that the density along the Barrier Reef complex
increased significantly as compared from density recorded in 1996.
Mean Lip thickness was estimated as 4.8 mm suggesting that the conch population is
comprised of sub-adult; but also getting close to adulthood (Adult~
fr
as described by Alcolado, 1976; Berg, 1976; Brownell, 1977; Appeldoorn, 1990.
Therefore, there could be two possible cohorts of approximately 9.9 million individuals
that would be entering the fishery within the next 3 years to replenish the adult stock.
Legal size conch abundance was estimated to be approximately 9,508,049(95% C.I.,
6,355,871--12,660,224) individuals, which translated into 3,565,518 lbs (95% C
2
(95% C.I., 811,371—1,369,515). Fox Model resulted in MSY to be 935,446 lbs (95%
C.I., 745,741—1,140,173). The present MSY is more than the one estimated in 1996 and
2003 and carefully consideration must be expressed in the interpretation of these
reference points as guide when making decision to accomplish the harvesting goals of the
fishery. It must be recognized that application of the Surplus Production was guided with
assumptions and many uncertainties; therefore a precautionary approach is emphasized
when using the MSY values. It is recommended that MSY should be used as limits rather
than target points and should be reviewed every 2 years. It is also important to create a
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24
ed to use the lip thickness of 5 mm as the legal size to exploit conch
Belize. This would ensure that only adult conchs are harvested, while the juvenile
buffer or a precautionary reference point to reduce the probabilities of over-fishing of the
stock. Therefore, the implementation of a catch quota or Total Allowable Catch (TAC) as
an intergraded management measure to control exploitation and optimize economic
performance is strongly recommended. Furthermore, an emphasis on the precautionary
approach is also recommended that the quota should be set at 75% of the estimated MSY
according to the uncertainties of the assessment. On the other hand, it is also
recommended that an economic assessment of the fishery should follow the introduction
of the quota management system to determine the impacts on the individual operator’s
financial situation.
Another recommendation is that the present size limit of the conch should be reviewed
and should be adjust
in
stock would remain protected contributing to the sustainability of the stock. Nonetheless,
the present management tools such as marine protected areas, temporal and spatial
closure should remain and used jointly as it has proved in previous assessment to have
contributed significantly in the stock management.
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25
CKNOWLDEGMENTS:
hanks are extended to the management of each marine reserve who contributed and
athered the necessary data. The collaborators of each marine reserve are as follows:
o, Shane Pech, Jason Edwards, Dwayne Garcia, Hector
A
T
g
Kirah Forman, Edgar Badill
Cunningham, Elvis Williams, Nidia Ramirez, Hampton Gamboa, Joel Cho, Alicia Eck,
Godwin Humes, Jason Guy, Sherwin Perera, Miguel Alamilla, and Grimaldo Acosta. A
special thanks is extended to members from the Capture Fisheries Unit, who are as
follows: Jaime Villanueva, Kenneth Esquivel, Marsha Vargas and Mauro Gongora. The
Capture Fisheries Unit was the major executing arm of the project and without their
contribution the project could not have been a success.
________________________________________________________________________ Conch Stock Assessment 2006
26
EFERENCES:
Alcolado, P.M.1976. Growth, morphological variations of the shell and some biological data of the conch Strombus gigas. L.( Mollusca, Mesogastropoda).
1990). Growth of juveniles Queen Conch Strombus gigas Linnaeus
1758 off La Parguera, Puerto Rico. Shellfish Res.
BELIZE.
ch Strom ze.
DA A Arrivillaga, A. and M. Angel Garcia. 2004.Status of Coral Reefs of the Meso-American
the practicality of its mariculture. Mar. Biol.
gilis in los Roques, Venezuela. Bull.Mar. Sci.
n- gement. In. Posad JM and Garcia-
Moliner(eds): Proceedings of the First International Queen conch Conference, San
arcia, S., P. Sparre and J. Csirke. (1980) Estimating Surplus Production and Maximum
x at Carrie Bow Caye, Belize. Pg. 9-45 in Rutzlerk and
Macintyre I.M.(Eds) The Atlantic Barrier Reef Ecosystem at Carrie Bow Caye,
toddart.1962. Three Caribbean Atolls: Turneffe Islands, Lighthouse Reef, and Glover’s Reef, British Honduras. Atoll Res. Bull.87
R
Appeldoorn, R.S. (
Appeldoorn1 R. and Wolfgang Rolke2 . 1996. STOCK ABUNDANCE AND
POTENTIAL YIELD OF THE QUEEN CONCH RESOURCE IN
Appledoorn R.2003. Report of the analysis of data collected during the queen con( bus gigas) visual surveys of November 2003 in Beli Appledoorn R. 2004. ANALYSIS OF THE 2004 BELIZE CONCH SURVEY T
Barrier Reef System Project Region, and Reefs of El Salvador, Nicaragua and the Pacific Coasts of Meso-America. Berg, C.J. Jr. (1976). Growth of the Queen Conch Strombus gigas with a discussion of Brownell, W.N.(1977). Reproduction, laboratory culture and growth of Strombus gigas, Strombus costatus and Strombus pu Chakalall B. and Cochrane KL (1996). The Queen Conch fisheries in the Caribbea An approach to responsible fisheries mana Juan, Puerto Rico, 29-31 July 1996. Caribbean Fisheries Management Council. P (60-76). GSustainable Yield from Biomass data when catch and effort time series are not available. Fisheries Research, 8, p13-23. Macintyre and Aronson.1997. Field Guide book to the reefs of Belize. Proc. 8th Int. Coral Reef Sym. Rutzler, K. and Macintyre. I.G. 1982. The habitat distribution and community structure of the Barrier Reef comple Belize: Structure and Communities. Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C. S
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27
e
ewfik A. (1996). An assessment of the Biological Characteristics, Abundance, and
ersity, Canada.
Stoner, A.W. and Ray-Culp, M.(2000) Distribution for Allee in an over-harvested marin gastropod:density-dependent mating and egg production. T Potential Yield of the Queen conch (Strombus gigas L.) Fishery on the Pedro Bank Off Jamaica. MS Thesis. Acadia Univ Wood EM. (1995). Study of the Fishery for Queen conch in Haiti. Marine Conservation Society. Ross-on Wye, Uk. 57 pp.
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nnex 1:
A
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Annex 2: