Megan Davis, Ph.D., Research Professor, Florida Atlantic University Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Carlos Velazquez, Presidente, Asociación de Pescadores Villa Pesquera de Naguabo
Plight of the Queen Conch
• The queen conch is the most significant molluscan fishery in the Caribbean
• Prized for its meat and pink shell
• Ecological role as a keystone herbivore
• Communities depend on it for sustenance and livelihood, important artisanal fishery
• Fishing pressure and habitat loss have led to population declines
• Regulations and conservation measures in place (CITES II fishery)
Why Puerto Rico?
• Important artisanal fishery in Puerto Rico
Economic Impacts of Hurricane Maria in Naguabo, Puerto Rico:
• The Queen Conch Resources Fishery Management Plan (CFMC)
• Majority of conch fished are consumed locally ($914 per pound)
• Disruption of conch habitats from hurricane Maria severely impacted fisheries and fishing communities
Conch Sales
November 2016: $60,000
November 2017: $3,000
Fisher Income
November 2016: $48,000
November 2017: $2,400
Data provided by Conservación ConCiencia
Naguabo, Puerto Rico
Partners
Raimundo Espinoza Founder and Executive Director Conservación ConCiencia
Julio Ortiz Treasurer, Fisher
Carlos Velasquez President
Shirley Rivera Aquaculture tech.
Marie Garcia Aquaculture Manager Assistant
Megan Davis, PhD Research Professor
Objectives: Naguabo Aquaculture Center – Queen Conch (2019 – present)
Build and Operate
Open to Others
Build and Operate a pilot-scale conch hatchery and nursery facility at the Puerto Rico
Naguabo Commercial Fishing Association for restoration and sustainable seafood
Expand
Open the facility for others to learn about queen conch aquaculture, biology, conservation and fisheries
Serve as a model and expand to other areas for Queen Conch nurseries and grow out, biology, conservation and fisheries
*The Puerto Rico Naguabo Aquaculture Center has been a great model for other conch aquaculture projects in the Caribbean - Curacao, Bahamas, Jamaica for example.*
Queen Conch Aquaculture
Aquaculture
• Breeding Areas
• Hatchery & Nursery
• Restoration
• Ranching and Growout –Sustainable Seafood
Socioeconomic Benefits
• Community-Based
• Science and Community Interactions
• Diversified Livelihoods
• Training in Aquaculture
• Training in Conservation
• Professional Development
• Co-Management of Resources
Puerto Rico Hatchery Design
The hatchery includes where the conch are cultured from egg to metamorphosis, and includes the microalgae area.
Queen Conch Hatchery
Egg Mass Collection by Fishers
Naguabo Aquaculture Center, Puerto Rico
Juvenile Recirculating Nursery System
Sea Vegetable Aquaponics and Spiny lobster
Community Involvement
Generational, Locally-Led, Community-Based
Naguabo Aquaculture Center, Puerto Rico
Teaching the Next Generation
Aquaculture Training
The Bahamas Fishers Exchange
November 2021
Community Events
● Naguabo Municipality Mayor Visit (Dec 202)
● NOAA MAFAC & NOAA Leadership (May 2022)
● Montana Farmers & Ranchers (May 2022)
● Community Event (June 2022)
● Artisan Conch carving Workshop (July 2024)
● Sea Vegetable Workshop (January
Resources
The Naguabo Aquaculture Center serves as a model for the development of an online course called eConch: eLearning for Growing Queen Conch and as a site for training. Includes seven modules that feature video content, live virtual presentations, activities, and group discussions.
English Version: The Queen Conch Aquaculture Manual, 2020. Megan Davis and Victoria Cassar (J. of Shellfish Research)
Spanish Version: 2021. Megan Davis, Victoria Cassar, Raimundo Espinoza, and Alessandro Lovatelli. (FAO – Food and Agriculture Org.)
