Federal officials are now considering whether to list the queen conch as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, but fishing communities in several countries are opposing the move.
Overfishing may put the queen conch—a large marine snail known for its showy shell and delectable flesh—on the path to extinction, U.S. government researchers concluded earlier this year after an extensive review of the species. Federal officials are now considering whether to list the Caribbean species as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, having wrapped up collecting public comments on the proposal last week.
The species has few defenses against divers who seek its valuable meat. Some conchs stay safe by living in remote or deep water. Older individuals, which grow up to 35 centimeters in length, can become camouflaged over time with algae or coral growing on their shells. A U.S. designation of the queen conch as threatened would not, by itself, require other nations to act to protect the snail. But NOAA Fisheries notes that ain the future, potentially increasing incentives to better manage the snail fisheries. In 2018, the U.S. imported $33 million worth of conch meat for fritters, chowder, and other dishes. A U.S.
Some countries say they are doing their best to manage conchs responsibly. In the public hearing, Mauro Gongora of the Belize Fisheries Department pointed out that 15,000 people in his country benefit from conchs, especially in small coastal fishing villages, and that the conch population there is reproducing well. “We’re making a lot of effort to manage the conch as best we can, because we recognize the importance of this fishery.
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