CFMC/OSPESCA/WECAFC/CRFMQueen Conch (Strombus gigas )Working Group

October 23 -25 2012Panama

byS.J. HEYLIGER

St. Kitts and Nevis-a twin Island Federation has as its major export

marine product, queen conch (Strombus gigas).

•Fin Fish

•Strombus gigas

•Lobsters

•Small >6m open vessels powered by outboard engines

•SCUBA and Free dive

•Conch is removed from shell at sea

•Less than fifty fishers

•Less than 30 boats

Policy and Legislation

•Current legislation SRO 11 of 95

•Close seasons and Close areas have been discussed but not implemented

•Development of stock assessment project is ongoing in collaboration with CRFM

Management and Conservation

•Data Collection Improvement has been made and further strengthening is being considered

•Verifying Meat Weight for export purposes.

•Limited entry Regulations/Policy

•MPA

Future Planning…

•Stock Assessment

•Data Collection Improvement to include catch and effort, permits, certificates, landings and exports

•Standardizing Meat Weights (Processing)

Consumption and Trade

•Local consumption about 25% (mostly free divers)

•Export to neighbouring islands (SCUBA through middle-men)

Challenges Ahead…

•Enforcement

•Implementation of Data collection system

•Finances & Staff

•Economic difficulties – closure of sugar industry

•Training and Retraining/Sensitization of Authorities