By Jim Tan
There has been a major decline in the population of protected queen conchs in the Bahamas’ Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park over the last 20 years.
The most recent survey found predominantly older queen conchs, with a shortage of juveniles to replace them.
Researchers believe overfishing in upstream areas has depleted the park’s larval supply. Increased predator density within the park may also be a problem for juveniles.
Queen conch fisheries outside protected areas in the Bahamas are experiencing intense fishing pressure and are near collapse. Read more >>