The Status of the Queen Conch (Strombus gigas) Fishery of Antigua and Barbuda Prepared by: Ian...

The Status of the Queen Conch The Status of the Queen Conch ((Strombus gigasStrombus gigas) Fishery of Antigua ) Fishery of Antigua

and Barbudaand Barbuda

Prepared by:Prepared by:Ian HorsfordIan Horsford

Sr. Fisheries OfficerSr. Fisheries OfficerFisheries Division, Antigua and BarbudaFisheries Division, Antigua and Barbuda

forforWECAFC / CFMC / OSPESCA / CRFMWECAFC / CFMC / OSPESCA / CRFM

Queen Conch Working Group MeetingQueen Conch Working Group MeetingPanama City, PanamaPanama City, Panama

23-25 October 201223-25 October 2012

Description of Conch FisheryDescription of Conch Fishery

In 2010, there were 11 full time In 2010, there were 11 full time conch-fishing vessels plus 8 part conch-fishing vessels plus 8 part time vessels.time vessels.

Vessels range from small pirogues Vessels range from small pirogues to large FRP launches, equipped to large FRP launches, equipped with GPS and hydraulic hauler.with GPS and hydraulic hauler.

Typical investment (vessel, gear, Typical investment (vessel, gear, equipment, etc.) range from equipment, etc.) range from EC$60,000 (US$22,222) for a 22-EC$60,000 (US$22,222) for a 22-foot FRP pirogue to EC$210,000 foot FRP pirogue to EC$210,000 (US$77,777) for a 40-foot FRP (US$77,777) for a 40-foot FRP launch.launch.

Locally, conch is considered a Locally, conch is considered a normal goods (as oppose to a normal goods (as oppose to a luxury goods), retailing at the luxury goods), retailing at the same ex-vessel price as reef fish same ex-vessel price as reef fish EC$9 / lb. (US$7.41 / kg).EC$9 / lb. (US$7.41 / kg).

Photo: I. Horsford

Description of Conch FisheryDescription of Conch Fishery Commercially conch is harvested using SCUBA and involves some 72 Commercially conch is harvested using SCUBA and involves some 72

individuals (including 40 SCUBA divers).individuals (including 40 SCUBA divers).

SCUBA is the gear of choice due in part to the mean depth of the Antigua and SCUBA is the gear of choice due in part to the mean depth of the Antigua and Barbuda Shelf (about 30 metres).Barbuda Shelf (about 30 metres).

The Antigua and Barbuda Shelf The Antigua and Barbuda Shelf is is 3,400 km3,400 km22 (one (one of the largest in the Eastern of the largest in the Eastern CaribbeanCaribbean)). .

On average, full time divers would use about two 80 cubic-feet tanks per day.On average, full time divers would use about two 80 cubic-feet tanks per day.

Fishers who target conch in Antigua reside mainly in the southern villages of Fishers who target conch in Antigua reside mainly in the southern villages of Urlings and Old Road and their home port is Urlings Fisheries Complex; vessels Urlings and Old Road and their home port is Urlings Fisheries Complex; vessels may operate from different ports depending on the dive area.may operate from different ports depending on the dive area.

In Barbuda, there is only one full time commercial conch vessel operating; the In Barbuda, there is only one full time commercial conch vessel operating; the Caribbean spiny lobster is the principal species of commercial interest for Caribbean spiny lobster is the principal species of commercial interest for divers.divers.

In 2010, 102 metric tons of “dirty” conch meat (digestive gland removed) was In 2010, 102 metric tons of “dirty” conch meat (digestive gland removed) was landed with an ex-vessel value of EC$2.13 million (US$0.79 million); the live landed with an ex-vessel value of EC$2.13 million (US$0.79 million); the live weight equivalent (including shell) was 764 metric tons.weight equivalent (including shell) was 764 metric tons.

Policy & LegislationPolicy & Legislation The The Fisheries Act, No.14 of 1983Fisheries Act, No.14 of 1983 and the and the Fisheries Regulations, No.10 of 1990Fisheries Regulations, No.10 of 1990, ,

are currently the primary legislative basis for fisheries management and are currently the primary legislative basis for fisheries management and development.development.

Current legislation prohibit: Current legislation prohibit:

harvest of conch with shell < 180 mm or no flared-lip shell; orharvest of conch with shell < 180 mm or no flared-lip shell; or

conch whose meat weight is < 225 g without digestive gland.conch whose meat weight is < 225 g without digestive gland.

There are provisions for closed season, prohibited gears (e.g., hookah There are provisions for closed season, prohibited gears (e.g., hookah compressor diving rig) and protected areas; compressor diving rig) and protected areas; the Cades Bay Marine Reserve the Cades Bay Marine Reserve was established in 1999 (approx. size: 19.43 kmwas established in 1999 (approx. size: 19.43 km22) primarily to protect critical ) primarily to protect critical conch habitat (e.g., seagrass beds).conch habitat (e.g., seagrass beds).

The Act also makes provisions for the State to take action against citizens of The Act also makes provisions for the State to take action against citizens of Antigua and Barbuda that are involved in IUU fishing outside Antigua and Antigua and Barbuda that are involved in IUU fishing outside Antigua and Barbuda waters. Barbuda waters.

Policy & LegislationPolicy & Legislation In 2003, the Fisheries Division sought assistance from FAO, with In 2003, the Fisheries Division sought assistance from FAO, with

respect to bringing therespect to bringing the Fisheries Act (1983) Fisheries Act (1983) and the and the Fisheries Fisheries Regulations (1990)Regulations (1990), in line with current international fisheries law., in line with current international fisheries law.

The substantive legislation, theThe substantive legislation, the Fisheries Act, No. 22 of 2006 Fisheries Act, No. 22 of 2006,, has has being passed by Parliament and will be enacted along with the draft being passed by Parliament and will be enacted along with the draft amended Fisheries Regulations (2012) later this year.amended Fisheries Regulations (2012) later this year.

In addition to the current legislative provisions, the In addition to the current legislative provisions, the Fisheries Act (2006)Fisheries Act (2006) and the accompanying regulations, will:and the accompanying regulations, will:

1.1. Move the conch fishery from an “open access” to a “limited entry” management Move the conch fishery from an “open access” to a “limited entry” management regime through the use of regime through the use of special permitsspecial permits;;

2.2. Require mandatory training of fishers (SCUBA diving safety, conservation Require mandatory training of fishers (SCUBA diving safety, conservation measures, CITES, basic business practices, etc.);measures, CITES, basic business practices, etc.);

3.3. Establish a Establish a closed season from 1st July to 31st August of every year; andclosed season from 1st July to 31st August of every year; and

4.4. Establish a minimum shell lip thickness of 5 mm for conch to be harvested.Establish a minimum shell lip thickness of 5 mm for conch to be harvested.

Development ActivitiesDevelopment ActivitiesDevelopment activities are Development activities are geared towards:geared towards:

1.1.““Professionalising” the sector – Professionalising” the sector – hence the need for mandatory hence the need for mandatory training of fishers.training of fishers.

2.2.Regaining market access for Regaining market access for conch products to the EU conch products to the EU (Antigua and Barbuda’s main (Antigua and Barbuda’s main export market).export market).

The classification of conch as a The classification of conch as a bivalve mollusc under EU bivalve mollusc under EU directive and the need for directive and the need for biotoxins monitoring programme biotoxins monitoring programme have made the process an have made the process an arduous task.arduous task.

Domestic Export of Fishery Products (in Live Weight Equivalent) from Antigua-Barbuda

162

88 7533

122110100 8857 55

7 3 1 11 18 28 5491 81 61 54

47

91 99

64

61 61 54 8795

45

55 56 59 66 63 5549

52 4528

14

8

1588

3038

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

1989

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Met

ric to

ns (l

ive

wt.)

Fresh Fish Live Spiny Lobster Queen Conch Meat

Fisheries Management & Conservation Fisheries Management & Conservation ActivitiesActivities

Over the past decades there has been a gradual shift in fisheries Over the past decades there has been a gradual shift in fisheries governance (including management) from one that is “top-down” and governance (including management) from one that is “top-down” and centralised to one that is “participatory” and devolved. centralised to one that is “participatory” and devolved.

Involvement of stakeholders has been at the following levels:Involvement of stakeholders has been at the following levels:

consultation, where the views of individuals / organisations who could consultation, where the views of individuals / organisations who could be affected by management decision are solicited;be affected by management decision are solicited;

formal representation of stakeholders on Fisheries Advisory formal representation of stakeholders on Fisheries Advisory Committee or fisheries focus group;Committee or fisheries focus group;

fisheries research / stock assessment (recognising the importance of fisheries research / stock assessment (recognising the importance of fisheries traditional knowledge and transparency with regards to fisheries traditional knowledge and transparency with regards to fisheries management decisions).fisheries management decisions).


This shift in governance This shift in governance approach has led to: approach has led to: increase understanding of increase understanding of management decisions; management decisions; improve compliance by improve compliance by conch fishers; and increase conch fishers; and increase effectiveness of fisheries effectiveness of fisheries governance. governance.

For the past decade, the For the past decade, the mean rate of compliance mean rate of compliance regarding size restriction regarding size restriction was 88%, suggesting most was 88%, suggesting most conch had the opportunity to conch had the opportunity to reproduce at least once reproduce at least once before capture.before capture.

According to the regulations, According to the regulations, meat weight is the weight of meat weight is the weight of the conch after removal of the conch after removal of digestive gland (locally digestive gland (locally referred to as “dirty” meat referred to as “dirty” meat weight).weight).

Trend in the Mean Meat Weight of Queen Conch Landed in Antigua-Barbuda and Level of Regulatory Compliance

8.5%

31.5%

83.6% 88.1% 79.3% 91.5% 68.5% 97.9%

3.0% 2.1%2.3%

20.7%

11.9%16.4%

97.7% 97.0%

294.8309.2

288.6

317.6

356.8

279.1304.6

358.0

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

2001 (n=73)

2002(n=176)

2003(n=246)

2004(n=434)

2005 2006(n=259)

2007(n=164)

2008(n=146)

2009(n=144)

Year (n = sample size)

Per

cen

tag

e

0.0

50.0

100.0

150.0

200.0

250.0

300.0

350.0

400.0

Mea

n m

eat

wei

gh

t (g

)

Samples equal to or above the minimum legal meat weight (225g)

Samples below the minimum legal meat weight (225g)

Mean meat weight (g)


The The Fisheries Act 1983Fisheries Act 1983 allows allows for compounding of offence for compounding of offence whereby a maximum fine of whereby a maximum fine of EC$5,000 (US$1,852) can be EC$5,000 (US$1,852) can be imposed or imprisonment of 12 imposed or imprisonment of 12 months; in new regulations the months; in new regulations the maximum fine is EC$50,000 maximum fine is EC$50,000 (US$18,520).(US$18,520).

In terms of enforcement, only In terms of enforcement, only 3.1% of individuals fined 3.1% of individuals fined since 1992since 1992 where related to where related to violations of conch violations of conch conservation measures.conservation measures.

This is consistent with the high This is consistent with the high rate of compliance obtained rate of compliance obtained from conch biological from conch biological programmeprogramme

Breaches of the Fisheries Legislation of Antigua-Barbuda from 1992 to May 2009 (N = 129

componded offences)

Unlicensed fishing by local vessel46.5%

Possession of egg-bearing lobster5.4%

Possession of undersize conch3.1%

Vessel marking violation4.7%

Vessel safety violation10.1%

Possession of impaled lobster0.8%

Possession of undersize lobster 6.2%

Fishing w ithout a spear fishing permit14.0%

Unlicensed fishing by foreign vessel9.3%

Consumption & TradeConsumption & Trade Imports and exports of conch Imports and exports of conch

meat for Antigua and Barbuda meat for Antigua and Barbuda have been negligible; the EU have been negligible; the EU requirements governing the requirements governing the production of seafood have production of seafood have halted exports of conch meat halted exports of conch meat since 1993.since 1993.

Hence mean domestic Hence mean domestic consumption based on consumption based on production is about 0.89 kg production is about 0.89 kg “dirty” meat per capita.“dirty” meat per capita.

This has to be viewed in the This has to be viewed in the context of the demands of the context of the demands of the tourism sector; total visitor tourism sector; total visitor arrivals (air and sea) is in the arrivals (air and sea) is in the range of 1 million and resident range of 1 million and resident population is only 90,000 population is only 90,000 individuals.individuals.

In 2008, many spiny lobster divers focused on In 2008, many spiny lobster divers focused on conch due to decrease demand for lobster by conch due to decrease demand for lobster by the downturn in the tourism sector.the downturn in the tourism sector.

Data Collection, Research & Stock Data Collection, Research & Stock AssessmentAssessment

In order to assess the status of the In order to assess the status of the resource and monitor landings, a resource and monitor landings, a data collection programme was data collection programme was initiated in 1995.initiated in 1995.

This includes monitoring the catch This includes monitoring the catch per unit effort, biological data per unit effort, biological data (weight, sex, maturity of samples, (weight, sex, maturity of samples, level of compliance, etc.), as well as level of compliance, etc.), as well as economic data (costs & earnings).economic data (costs & earnings).

As outlined in As outlined in Antigua and Antigua and Barbuda Plan of Action to Barbuda Plan of Action to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate IUU Prevent, Deter and Eliminate IUU fishingfishing, a database of violations is , a database of violations is also kept: to improve overall also kept: to improve overall monitoring of illegal fishing; to monitoring of illegal fishing; to readily identify repeat offenders; readily identify repeat offenders; and to guide monitoring, control and and to guide monitoring, control and surveillance strategies.surveillance strategies.

Other measures such as market-Other measures such as market-related measures are outlined in related measures are outlined in the NPOA-IUU.the NPOA-IUU.


Conch production for Conch production for Antigua and Barbuda has Antigua and Barbuda has been increasing from 315 been increasing from 315 MT in 2000 to 764 MT in MT in 2000 to 764 MT in 2010 (live wt.); hence the 2010 (live wt.); hence the recent adoption of limited recent adoption of limited entry regulations.entry regulations.

The catch per unit effort The catch per unit effort trend has been marginally trend has been marginally positive, ranging from 12.3 positive, ranging from 12.3 to 20.0 kg “dirty” meat / 80 to 20.0 kg “dirty” meat / 80 cubic-feet SCUBA tank.cubic-feet SCUBA tank.

There is also no negative There is also no negative trends with respect to trends with respect to annual mean “dirty” meat annual mean “dirty” meat weight or depth dived.weight or depth dived.

Trend in CPUE for Queen Conch Meat for Antigua and Barbuda

13.7

20.0

13.5

17.5

12.9

16.9

12.315.813.9

y = 0.365x + 13.220

R2 = 0.205

0.0

5.0

10.0

15.0

20.0

25.0

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Year

CP

UE

kg "dirty"meat wt. / 80 cubic ft. SCUBA tank

Linear (kg "dirty"meat wt. / 80 cubic ft. SCUBA tank)


The most recent research was a comprehensive conch morphometric study The most recent research was a comprehensive conch morphometric study which was funded by Fisheries Division and Japan International Cooperation which was funded by Fisheries Division and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) with support from conch fishers.Agency (JICA) with support from conch fishers.

The findings were presented in a paper entitled:The findings were presented in a paper entitled:““The Morphology of the Queen conch (The Morphology of the Queen conch (Strombus gigasStrombus gigas) from the ) from the Antigua and Barbuda Shelf – Implications for Fisheries Management”, Antigua and Barbuda Shelf – Implications for Fisheries Management”,

at the 64at the 64thth Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute Conference, held in Puerto Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute Conference, held in Puerto Morelos, Mexico.Morelos, Mexico.

The objectives of the conch morphometric study were to: 1) ascertain if there The objectives of the conch morphometric study were to: 1) ascertain if there were spatial variability regarding morphology; 2) analyse length-weight were spatial variability regarding morphology; 2) analyse length-weight relationships for various maturation stages; 3) develop statistically valid relationships for various maturation stages; 3) develop statistically valid conversion factors for different levels of processed conch meat; 4) assess conversion factors for different levels of processed conch meat; 4) assess current management regimes (e.g., minimum size / weight); and 5) validate current management regimes (e.g., minimum size / weight); and 5) validate results of fisheries-dependent data programme.results of fisheries-dependent data programme.

Morphometric Study: Main FindingsMorphometric Study: Main Findings For both juvenile and adult For both juvenile and adult

conch, shell length differed conch, shell length differed significantly among the coastal significantly among the coastal groupings, groupings, p p < 0.001.< 0.001.

Shell lip thickness, an indicator Shell lip thickness, an indicator of the age, was also of the age, was also significantly different among significantly different among the coasts (the coasts (p p < 0.001), where < 0.001), where conch from the N and W coast conch from the N and W coast were significantly older than were significantly older than those from the E or S coast of those from the E or S coast of Antigua (Antigua (p p < 0.001). < 0.001).

S coast is the traditional S coast is the traditional fishing area and N, W and E fishing area and N, W and E are new fishing areas; MPAs are new fishing areas; MPAs have been established on the have been established on the S, NW and NE coast.S, NW and NE coast.

N coast S coast E coast W coast

General location (in reference to Antigua)

10.0

15.0

20.0

25.0 25.1

n= 522

9.2

n= 20

17.1

n= 111

24.5

n= 268

Mean lip thickness of pooled adult queen conch (i.e., Sub adult, Adult & Old adult) from the coast of Antigua. Error bar is 95% CI.

Main FindingsMain Findings The mean lip thickness for conch The mean lip thickness for conch

collected from commercial fishing trips collected from commercial fishing trips was was 25.0 mm25.0 mm, indicating that divers , indicating that divers were targeting an old population were targeting an old population consistent with fisheries-dependent consistent with fisheries-dependent programme.programme.

Conversion factors differed Conversion factors differed significantly among maturation significantly among maturation stagesstages (particularly for adult and old (particularly for adult and old adult) adult) p p < 0.001; hence the use of a < 0.001; hence the use of a single conversion factor to transform single conversion factor to transform processed meat time-series to nominal processed meat time-series to nominal weight is problematic.weight is problematic.

These morphological differences These morphological differences require a require a multifaceted management multifaceted management approachapproach (limited entry, closed season, (limited entry, closed season, protected areas, etc.) to ensure the protected areas, etc.) to ensure the long-term sustainability of the fishery.long-term sustainability of the fishery.

Commercial Research

TripType

15.0

17.5

20.0

22.5

25.0 25.0

n= 785

15.7

n= 136

Lip thickness = 63.0mm

Photo: I. Horsford Photo: M. Ishida

Final ConsiderationsFinal Considerations The main “lessons learned” from research activities include:The main “lessons learned” from research activities include:

Fisheries research and management must be Fisheries research and management must be “cost-effective” “cost-effective” to be sustainable to be sustainable in the long run; in small scale or artisanal fisheries, management cost can easily in the long run; in small scale or artisanal fisheries, management cost can easily equal or exceed the value of the landings.equal or exceed the value of the landings.

One option to improve cost-effectiveness is by having fishers provide support One option to improve cost-effectiveness is by having fishers provide support (manpower, logistics, etc.) for research.(manpower, logistics, etc.) for research.

The participation of fishers in research allows for greater “buy-in” with respect to The participation of fishers in research allows for greater “buy-in” with respect to management decisions emanating from research.management decisions emanating from research.

Traditional knowledge of fishers should be thoroughly researched and Traditional knowledge of fishers should be thoroughly researched and documented to ascertain their relevance to management and research. For documented to ascertain their relevance to management and research. For example, conch divers rotate or “rest” diving areas as an informal management example, conch divers rotate or “rest” diving areas as an informal management strategy; this has implications when areas are declared permanent reserves.strategy; this has implications when areas are declared permanent reserves.

The Status of the Queen Conch (Strombus gigas) Fishery of Antigua and Barbuda Prepared by: Ian...

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