Conch still threatened as season opens
(CNS): Although the season for taking conchs from Cayman waters begins today, the tasty marine treat still remains threatened. Seriously endangered in parts of the region, Cayman’s restrictions have ensured that while numbers are a long way from ideal, people can take their fair share for part of the year. Along with 2½ gallons in the shell of Whelks, people can also now take five per person or ten per boat, whichever is less, per day during the open season, which runs until April. However, in addition to the limits on the daily allowance, neither species can be taken from marine protected areas.
Violating any of the Marine Park Regulations and conservation laws carries a maximum penalty of CI$500,000 and one year imprisonment. If convicted, the court can also order the forfeiture of a person’s boat or other equipment used.
The local Broad Leaf Conch is a vegetarian, marine snail native to the western Atlantic Ocean. Demand for its delicious meat and beautiful shell have contributed to chronic over fishing and placed it under enormous stress throughout the Caribbean.
The drastic decline in conch populations across the regions due to over-fishing, led to it being placed on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) list in 1992.
The conch population is extremely fragile and, according to the National Trust, estimates suggests that out of 400,000 offspring, fewer than one conch will survive into adulthood. This alarming statistic, coupled with other environmental and human pressures, signals a worrying time for the Queen Conch.
To report violations of any marine conservation legislation, call the DoE at 916 4271 (Grand Cayman), 926 0136 (Cayman Brac), or 926 2342 (Little Cayman) or call 911. For the location of marine protected areas, rules and regulations please visit the DoE website or reference the Island Pages in the Cayman Islands Yellow Pages.
Category: Science and Nature
I am a Caymanian saefood lover and I would say yes to a total ban on conchs, whelks, lobsters for a few years to enable them to replenish to meaningful levels, but to be honest, even though we have laws with strict penalties, there in NOT enough enforcement as it is and when perpetrators are caught they are NEVER punished to the full extent of the law so to me this is a HUGE part of the problem. Increasing marine parks and replenishment zones in size will only mean more area to protect when the DOE and Marine Enforcement are unable to protect what we already have.
spear fishing feels good !!!
Conch is one of my favorite meals, whether it is stewed conch, cracked conch, conch fritters, marinated conch, or just with a squeeze of lime.
That said, I would be in favour of a 10 year ban on the taking of conch in any of Cayman’s waters so that they can replenish and then systematically open sections of the conch “beds” for short periods of time and restricted catch.
I recall the days when conch was abundant in these waters. It is sad that we have depleted the stock to where they are now classed as “threatened”. I hope my descendents will have the opportunity to enjoy these tasty mollusks.
It would be nice if the people who vote "thumbs down" on these posts can explain their opposition to perserving the natural resources of Cayman. I, and imagine others who care about Cayman, are interested in understanding how and why anyone who takes the time to read this news site (indicating, presumably, at least an interest in Cayman) would actually be against proven, common sense environmental conservation, especially given the vitally integral role it plays in Cayman.
It would be nice if they had the maturity and courage to explain their opposition. But as with many polemicists, they probably lack the intellectual fortitude to speak up.
The only thing threatened is the Caymanian way of life. Did anyone look at the DOE's new marine park maps? You will basically not be able to get any more conch in the North Sound unless you are lucky enough to find one in a canal.
Do with the conch and lobster what is being done about Groupers.If nothing else ban any non Caymanian from getting them (or at least impliment a license fee and ENFORCE it) and lower the catch limit drastically.We cannot continue to take these inhabitants(conch and lobsters)for ever with our ever increasing population growth so now is the time to put a stop to it.More enforcement is badly needed and that would help to stop some if not all of the poaching going on.Stop the shoreline fishing especially that being done by some of our work permit force who catch anything that is big enough to take a hook.Small fish grow into big fish BUT only if given a chance.We MUST think of the future not just today.
give it a rest. how many caymanians get charged with taking turtle, too much lobster and too much conch? Stop with the blame game and just state that we need enforced limits for ALL residents.
More proof that Cayman is willing to sacrifice itself in an unsustainable dead-end run towards oblivion. Continue to destroy the mangroves; poison the air and water; dredge channels and cut away coral; refuse to control and conserve your natural resources and you will see the very things that draws high-paying tourists here disappear along with them. The naive Caymanian or tourist will believe the lip-service paid to issues like the National Conservation Law, the Turtle Farm, and the DoE's alleged conservation efforts are true and viable indicators of Cayman's dedication to environmental preservation.
The erudite observer knows that as with many things, behind-the-scenes money and financial interests are what drives what happens. And failing to protect the natural resources of Cayman, be they grouper, mangroves, or conch, belies that truth. It's a national shame and when these waters become like those off Jamaica or Haiti, overfished, dead, and devoid of life, Caymanians will realize- finally- the value of what they lost. And then, it's too late.
We should limit catching entitlement, require the purchase of a licence for everyone and strictly enforce the law with meaningful penalties.
I used to see lots of Conch at South Sound but last year people fished them out early & fished them too much (& carried on illegally out of season), & now I hardly see any there; there's almost none to take. After today I doubt I will see any there again until next May but I fear it is too late even for that. Most places have very few even before this season starts. Soon I expect them to be extinct in Cayman. Lobsters will go the same way as I see less & less each year; each ones getting smaller & smaller. Oh well, once they're all gone we can introduce Conservation Laws, & at least we'll have covered everything in concrete, dug it up, dredged it, or filled it in.
??? South Sound is a replenishment zone and as such conch and lobster CANNOT be taken from there. Sounds to me like you have been breaking the law along with others…
From the wreck of the Pallas to the west is legal, from the east and into Red Bay is illegal. It is not enforced and everyone knows the guilty parties. They are protected because of their political affiliations, hamstrung enforcement officers etc. The biggest threat to the wildlife in SS is probably the likes of Mr. Hislop and the "Randyke Gardens" area with its constant outflow of effluent. Poachers are a big part of the problem but there are many other factors as well. Let us not forget all of the industrial pollutants leaching from construction and runoff of fertilizers and pesticides etc. from the mansions and other homes. The whole of Red Bay used to fill to the max with spawning sprats but people taking them in massive excess in addition to the other factors above have taken it's toll. The whole and entire system in Cayman is corrupt, ludicrous and asinine to the very core and that is the truth of the matter.