Conch, the versatile Gastropod

Conch,the versatile Gastropod, is an enduring symbol of Bahamian cultural identity. There are conch festivals,conch cracking competitions,conch homecomings and a conch at the top of The Bahamian coat of arms.The delicious sea snail also brings in 3.3 million dollars a year through exports. As Bahamians we are well aware of the economical and social impact of conch but what about the ecological impact? Conch is a major player in the marine food web. Conch eggs and larvae are a part of the zooplankton in the region that feed planktivores. Species like sharks, turtles, and spotted eagle rays feed on conch. Other marine species like sea stars, triggerfish, lobster, octopus and hermit crabs also feed on conch. Hermit crabs and other opportunists use the shell of dead conchs as a habitat. Queen conchs are vulnerable to overfishing because they are relatively slow to grow and late to mature and as a result conch densities are decreasing in commercially fished areas to levels that will not sustain the population. Luckily this decline in conch has been noticed and the Conchservation national campaign aims to protect the queen conch through research and policy change. We as Bahamians must do our part as well by abiding the law which states that harvesting and possession of conch without a well-formed lip is prohibited and the bag limit at any time is 10 per person.

Facts about conch -The conch pearl is a very rare pearl (one conch pearl is found in every 10,000 shells to one in every 20,000.)

- Queen conch can live up to 30 years

- During the first year of life conchs live under the sand during the day and come out to feed on the surface of the sand at night

. - Conch is an aphrodisiac https://youtu.be/IYCsTSjc4N8