Study site
X*"*$ B&5&$ (/++&("&%$ K!B&&=+?$ A5/,$ ]("/K&5$ "/$
O/9&,K&5$ 0121@$ !>$ .*($ W*?@$ W/>*!5&@$ X'"()$
S*5!KK&*>$ -20^_`a<2:bO@$ _:^2Z`ZZ<12bV;<$
c&#&*5()$ B*#$ (/>%'("&%$ !>$ B*"&5$ >/$ %&&E&5$ ")*>$
a$ ,$ !>$ %&E")<$ $P++$ %*"*$ B&5&$ (/++&("&%$ %'5!>D$ ")&$
daylight hours. The barrier reef on the west side of Lac and the mangroves and beach on the remaining edges of the bay were the borders of this study -d!D<$2;<
Experimental design
MB&>"?HR9&$ /A$ ")&$ J2$ #"'%?$ #!"&#$ B&5&$ 5*>%/,+?$
selected as primary positions. All study sites were K*#&%$ />$ E5&9!/'#$ B/5=$ %/>&$ K?$ L*K!>&$ 4>D&+$ /A$
LMNOPQP$W/>*!5&$-LMNOPQP$011I;<$]>&$"5*>#&("$
B*#$%/>&$*"$&*()$E5!,*5?$E/#!"!/>@$&*()$K&!>D$011$
,$ U$ J$ ,$ *>%$ (/!>(!%&%$ B!")$ (//5%!>*"&#<$ 4*()$
"5*>#&("$ B*#$ (/>%'("&%$ )&*%!>D$ >/5")3$ E/!>"#$ ")*"$
ran into borders were excluded. Depending on the depth of the site chosen or distance from shore, dive D&*5$*>%e/5$*$#,*++$K/*"$B*#$%/>>&%<$P$\*5,!>$\QL$
%&9!(&$B*#$'#&%$"/$R>%$#!"&#<$M)&$011$,$"5*>#&("$B*#$
+*!%$ /'"$ *>%$ #+/B+?$ A/++/B&%<$ c&#&*5()&5#$ %!9!%&%$
the width of each transect so that coverage of each
&9*+'*"/5$A/++/B!>D$!"$#E*>>&%$0<J$,<
!Fig. 1 Image depicting the locations of transects in Lac Bay, Bonaire were conducted a (Google Earth 0121;
J1
Length, width, and shell lip thickness were measured in millimeters for live conch found.
!"#$%&' ()' *(#*&' +,-' ."/#".' ,-' .0-%,#*"' )1(2' %&"' tip of the spiral to the siphonal canal using sliding 3"1#0"1' *,405"1-6' 7,80292' +0.%&' +,-' *(#.9*%".' with sliding vernier calipers from the anterior base of the spine on the extreme right of the conch, to
%&"':,-"'()'%&"'-50#"'(#'%&"'"8%1"2"'4")%6';&"44'405' thickness was measured in the mid lateral region (#' %&"' 405' -0."' ()' %&"' -&"44<' ,551(802,%"4=' >?' 22' 0#' )1(2' %&"' ".$"' ()' %&"' -&"44' @A0$6' BC' @D"+/E' "%' ,46FGGHC6'
In addition to morphological characteristics, substrate over which each conch was found was
#(%".')(1'",*&'*(#*&'@D,:4"'FC6'I&"%&"1'0%'+,-'-0%%0#$' ,4(#"' (1' ,$$1"$,%0#$' @,$$1"$,%0(#' +,-' ."/#".' ,-' /#.0#$')(91'(1'2(1"'*(#*&-'+0%&0#','2"%"1'()'",*&' (%&"1C'+"1"',4-('1"*(1.".6''D&"'51"-"#*"'()',#='.",.' conch and whether or not the individual appeared to .0"'()'#,%91,4'*,9-"-'(1'+,-'/-&".'+,-'.(*92"#%".'
@/-&".'*(#*&'&,3"','-2,44'-40%':"#",%&'%&"'-501,4'()'
%&"'-&"44<'(1'&,3"'%&"'-501,4'*(254"%"4='1"2(3".C6' Based on individual shell lip thickness and ."-*105%0(#' ()' %&"' -&"44<' ",*&' *(#*&' +,-' *4,--0/".' 0#%(' ,#=' ()' %&"' )(44(+0#$' *,%"$(10"-J' K93"#04"' @LC<'
=(9#$',.94%'@MNC',#.'(4.',.94%'@ONC'@D,:4"'FC6'P,-".' on individual length, conchs were then grouped into Q'*,%"$(10"-J'K93"#04"'@LC<'=(9#$',.94%'@MNC',#.'(4.' ,.94%'@ONC'@D,:4"'BC6'N4%&(9$&'+0.%&'0-'#(%','.01"*%' indicator of age, data on the widths of conch was still collected in order to provide a comprehensive overview of the Queen conch population in Lac Bay.
Data analysis
Hypothesis one was tested in two ways. First, density of conchs haRF for each age and size category was calculated. The adult density haRF'(the sum of both
=(9#$' ,.94%-' ,#.' (4.' ,.94%-C' +,-' ,4-(' *,4*94,%".6''
;"*(#.<',:9#.,#*"'+,-'*,4*94,%".':='-9220#$',44'
!Fig. 2 'S&(%($1,5&'%,E"#'0#'%&"'/"4.',**(1.0#$'%(' 2(15&(4($0*,4'2",-91"2"#%-':,-".'(#'D"+/E'"%' ,46'@FGGHC'
Habitat Habitat Code
Habitat Description Abundance Juveniles
Abundance Young Adults
Abundance Old Adults
Total
Algal Plain
AP Fine mud, coarse sand, rubble bottom dominated by algal cover (Halimeda, Dictyota, Penicillus, Caulerpa, Udotea, Padina, Laurencia)
1 0 0 1
Seagrass Meadow
SG Coarse sand bottom dominated by turtle (Thalassia testudinum) and manatee (Syringodium filiforme) grass
0 7 7 14
Sand Plain SP Coarse sand bottom with sparse benthic algae or seagrass
2 2 4 8
Patch Reef
PR Large patches of coral composed of multiple colonies of various morphologies
0 0 1 1
Coral Heads
CH Small patches of coral (dominated by a single colony) of various morphologies scattered within sand bottom
0 0 0 0
Coral Rubble
CR Rubble bottom composed of dead and broken coral forming patches with sparse benthic algae or seagrass cover
1 0 2 3
!
!
Table 1 T,:0%,%'."-*105%0(#-',#.'*(."-':,-".'(#'P"#"',#.'D"+/E'@B??QC',-'+"44',-'#92:"1-'()'*(#*&-')(9#.',%' each habitat type, categorized by age class
UF
conchs measured.
The second hypothesis was tested by using a
!"#$%&'()*+ ,*%,-+ ."#!"+ (//0.*1+ 20)+ '31*)%,(31#34+
."*,"*)+ #31#5#1'(/%+ .*)*+ *5*3/6+ !/(%%#7*1+ .#,"#3+
the different age/size class categories.
8+ ,.0$.(6+ 89:;8+ .(%+ '%*1+ ,0+ !0<=()*+
average abundance of conch with respect to age
!/(%%+(31+(!)0%%+"(>#,(,?+@#43#7!(3,+1#22*)*3!*%+.*)*+
followed analyzed with Tukey B test.
Results
8+,0,(/+02+AB+/#5*+!03!"%+.*)*+20'31+(!)0%%+,"*+AC+
sites surveyed in this study, which covered an area of A?D+"(?+E3+,0,(/-+,"*)*+.(%+(+1*3%#,6+02+FF?AD+!03!"%+
ha$F+GH(>/*+AI?++H"*+"#4"*%,+1*3%#,#*%+.*)*+20'31+,0+
be at the mouth of the bay and on the northwestern
!0)3*)+02+J(!+GK#4?+LI?
Adult abundance was found to be more
=)*5(/*3,+ ,"(3+ M'5*3#/*%+ (31+ .(%+ !0<=)#%*1+ 02+ D+
#31#5#1'(/%+GFCNI-+."#/*+(1'/,+(>'31(3!*+<(1*+'=+
AL+GOCNI+02+,"*+,0,(/+3'<>*)+02+!03!"+20'31+GH(>/*+
AI?+ 84*+ (>'31(3!*+ %#43#7!(3,/6+ 1#22*)*1+ >*,.**3+
M'5*3#/*%+(31+(1'/,%+GPAQFL?LB-+3QAB-+=RS?SSFI?
T#,"+)*%=*!,+,0+(4*-+1#%,)#>',#03+02+!03!"+.(%+
20'31+ ,0+ 30,+ >*+ #3U'*3!*1+ >6+ "(>#,(,+ GPAQFA?DOA-+
3QAB-+=VS?FI?+8/,"0'4"+.#,"+1#%)*4()1+,0+(4*+!/(%%-+
most specimens were found in seagrass habitat.
Patch reefs had the lowest abundance of conch.
903*+.*)*+20'31+%*,,/*1+05*)+!0)(/+"*(1+GH(>/*+FI?
9'<>*)%+ 02+ 1*(1+ !03!"+ ,(//#*1+ CC+ %=*!#<*3%+
.#,"+ WBN+ >*#34+ 7%"*1+ #31#5#1'(/%?+ H"*+ )*<(#3#34+
LLN+.*)*+1*,*)<#3*1+,0+"(5*+1#*1+02+3(,')(/+!('%*%?+
X0%,+1*(1+!03!"%+.*)*+20'31+#3+%*(4)(%%+<*(10.%?+
No dead conchs were found in the coral head habitat GK#4?+DI?
Discussion
Populations of conch in Lac Bay were found to be
<'!"+/0.*)+,"(3+=)*5#0'%+%,'1#*%-+.#,"+(+,0,(/+02+FF+
conchs ha$F?+ :5*)(//-+ (>'31(3!*+ .(%+ (/%0+ 20'31+ ,0+
be much lower than any previous study, but this was )*/(,*1+,0+(+/0.+%(<=/*+%#Y*+(31+10*%+30,+)*U*!,+,"*+
state of Queen conch abundance.
The majority of conchs in Lac were adults,
!03%,#,',#34+ OCN+ 02+ ,"*+ ,0,(/+ 20'31?+ T"#/*+ (4*+
.(%+ 30,+ %"0.3+ ,0+ >*+ %#43#7!(3,/6+ #3U'*3!*1+ >6+
habitat, in general conch did portray a preference 20)+ %*(4)(%%Z+ #,+ %"0'/1+ >*+ 30,*1+ ,"(,+ ,"*+ <(M0)#,6+
of habitat covered was seagrass and that coral head habitat was not extensively studied. In addition,
!03!"+1#%,)#>',#03+"(%+)*<(#3*1+%#<#/()+%#3!*+F[W[+
GJ0,,+ASSFI?+H"*+40(/+02+2',')*+)*%*()!"+%"0'/1+>*+,0+
Size/Age Code Lip Thickness Category/Description
Length Category Number of Conch Found
Density/ha-1
Juvenile J No shell lip or lip thickness < 4 mm Conch ! 125 4 1.67
Young Adult YA Shell lip thickness " 4mm, broad flaring shell lip, prominent spines, limited effects of bioerosion
Conch between 126 mm and 170 mm
9 3.75
Old Adult OA Shell lip thickness > 4mm, worn spines, thick shell lip, moderate to heavy effects of bioerosion
Conch > 170 mm 14 5.83
!
!
Table 2 84*+(31+%#Y*+1*%!)#=,#03+>(%*1+03+%,'1#*%+2)0<+\*3*+(31+H*.7]+GASSLI+(31+J0,,+GASSFI?+8>'31(3!*+(31+
density of each category is shown
!
Fig. 3 Abundance and distribution of live Queen conch (Strombus gigas)+20'31+#3+,"*+AC+,)(3%*!,%
Fig. 4 9'<>*)%+02+1*(1+!03!"+!(,*40)#Y*1+(%+7%"*1+
G>/(!]I+(31+3(,')(/+G4)(6I
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
Sand Plain Seagrass Meadow
Patch Reef Coral Head Coral Rubble
Algal Plain
Numbers of dead conch
Habitat
CA
!"#$%&$'(()*+#,#-.%/#*01#-#*,1#*$2/$1*%/*3'$*42*,2*
spawn by taking into account everything that may
%/56#/$#* ,1#%-* .27#.#/,* '/+* 8#1'7%2-9* :;"(%$%,*
conservation of those areas and protection of the species could mean a turnaround in population.
<#!6(,!* =-2.* ,1%!* !,6+)* %/+%$',#* ,1',* +#!"%,#*
#==2-,!* 8)* ,1#* >?@A* ,2* '((#7%',#* +0%/+(%/4* $2/$1*
"2"6(',%2/!*,1-2641*$(2!6-#*2=*,1#*&!1#-)B*/6.8#-!*
are continuing to decline. The present density of Queen conch in Lac Bay is below the Allee effect ,1-#!12(+* 2=* CD* $2/$1!* 1'EF* GH#!!#* FIJIK* L,2/#-*
'/+*M6("*NDDDO9*P/*32!*<2Q6#!B*R#/#S6#('B*$2/$1*
has been accosted by similar factors as seen in Bonaire, such as overharvesting and poaching. In NDDNB* +#/!%,%#!* 0#-#* !120/* ,2* 8#* ='-* 8#(20* ,1#*
+#/!%,)*,1-#!12(+*0%,1*!2.#*/6.8#-!*'!*(20*'!*J9CT*
conchs haEF*86,*'(!2*'!*1%41*'!*FU9VF*$2/$1!*1'EF in
!2.#* '-#'!* GL$10#%S#-* '/+* A2!'+'* NDDNO9* W1#!#*
concentrations are said to be a huge improvement
=-2.* FIIF* 01#/* ,1#* "2"6(',%2/* 0'!* !2* 1#'7%()*
#;"(2%,#+* ,1',* ,1#* &!1#-)* 1'+* ,2* 8#* $(2!#+* G32,,*
NDDFK* L$10#%S#-* '/+* A2!'+'* NDDNO9* :7#/* ,12641*
conch populations behave differently depending 2/*,1#*-#4%2/B*$(2!6-#*2=*,1#*&!1#-)*%/*32!*<2Q6#!*
and enforcement against poaching allowed for some recovery. These practices provide hope that under similar circumstances in Bonaire, the population
$'/* !2.#01',* -#$27#-9* @2-#27#-B* %,* %!* %."2-,'/,*
,2*/2,#*,1',*VDX*2=*,1#*$2/$1!*%/*3'$*0#-#*=26/+*
,2* 8#* '-26/+* ,1#* (#/4,1* 2=* NTD* ..* '/+* ,16!B*
!#;6'(()*.',6-#*GY""#(+22-/*FIIUO9*Z6#*,2*1#'7)*
restrictions on time, none of those individuals were successfully assessed for gender but it does present a better picture of where the population may be in terms of recovery when considering their potential robustness to the Allee effect.
Even though age distribution was not found ,2* 8#* !%4/%&$'/,()* %/56#/$#+* 8)* 1'8%,',B* 7'-%',%2/*
in habitat preferences has been shown throughout the Caribbean, most likely in relation to geographic
%+#/,%,)*GL,2/#-*'/+*L'/+,*FIINK*W1#%(#*NDDFK*[('S#-*
'/+*\%+/#)*NDDTO9*Y*!,6+)*%/*](2-%+'*!120#+*,1',*
adult conchs have preferences for certain habitats, particularly sand and coral rubble (Glazer and
\%+/#)* NDDTO9* Y/2,1#-* !,6+)* %/* ,1#* :;6.'* M')!*
of the Bahamas illustrated an adult preference for '(.2!,* #;$(6!%7#()* $2-'(* -688(#* GL,2/#-* '/+* L'/+,*
FIINO9*^,1#-*-#!#'-$1*2/*_67#/%(#!*!644#!,!*'*!,-2/4*
preference for dense seagrass, while a study by W2--#!*'/+*L6((%7'/*L#'(#)*GNDDNO*%((6!,-',#!*_67#/%(#*
"-#=#-#/$#*=2-*.2+#-',#()*+#/!#*!#'4-'!!*G<')*'/+*
L,2/#-* FIICO9* R'-)%/4* $2/$(6!%2/!* '826,* 1'8%,',*
preference demonstrate the need to understand
$2/$1* %/* ,1#* $2/,#;,* 2=* %,!* 6/%Q6#* #/7%-2/.#/,*
rather than through general observation. In this case, conch abundance was highest in seagrass meadows.
This seems logical, since conch have been shown to migrate to shallow areas to deposit eggs during
,1#*$6--#/,*.',%/4*!#'!2/*G32,,*NDDFO9**`1#/*,'a%/4*
into account that in Bonaire the conch mating season is a much different time period than in other parts of the Caribbean, the idea of geographic identity is
!2(%+%&#+*'/+*-#5#$,!*6"2/*,1#*$2/$#",*2=*(2$'(%S#+*
7'-%',%2/*%/*1'8%,',*"-#=#-#/$#*GW1#%(#*NDDFO9*
It is worth noting that the distribution of conch in Lac has remained similar throughout the years G32,,*NDDFO9*L6$1*$2/4-6#/$#*%/*$2/$1*(2$',%2/*.')*
be because conch often choose the same corridors to connected habitats. These areas in turn, receive
!%.%('-* &!1%/4* "-#!!6-#!B* 01%$1* $-#',#* $2/!%!,#/,*
gaps in population distribution. Considering that ,1#* .'_2-%,)* 2=* +#'+* $2/$1!* =26/+* 0#-#* &!1#+B* %,*
2/()*-#%/=2-$#!*,1#*%+#'*,1',*&!1%/4*"-#!!6-#*1'!*'/*
%/56#/$#*2/*$2/$1*+%!,-%86,%2/*%/*3'$B*#!"#$%'(()*%/*
shallow areas.
Even though abundance was lower than previous studies, it does not disallow for further
!"#$6(',%2/* '826,* ,1#%-* ,2,'(* '86/+'/$#K* 2=* ,1#* CF*
,2,'(* !,6+)* !%,#!B* 2/()* TIX* 2=* ,12!#* 0#-#* 7%!%,#+9*
Furthermore, eight conch fell outside the width of transects. Although their age and morphological dimensions were not measured, if included in the '86/+'/$#B*%,*"6!1#!*,1#*,2,'(*,2*VC*$2/$1!*1'EF and
$1'/4#!*,1#*+#/!%,)*,2*FC*$2/$1!*1'EF.
Additionally, abundance and density estimates may have been affected by the time of day and sun exposure during the study. Personal communication 0%,1*(2$'(*&!1#-.'/*-#7#'(!*,1',*$2/$1*86-)*%/*,1#*
sand for most of the day in these places because ,1#)*b+%!(%a#*8#%/4*,22*12,9c*^/*$(26+)*+')!B*%,*%!*
thought that conch were more likely to be above the sand because there was less direct sunlight GA#-!9*$2..B*@'-,#!B*YO9*P,*%!*6/$(#'-*01',*#;'$,()*
induces this behavior. It could be that direct sunlight makes conch more apparent to predators or simply a response to thermal discomfort.
Aside from day to day movement, one known fact about conch is that their seasonal movements '-#* '==#$,#+* 8)* 82,1* Q6'/,%,)* 2=* (%41,* '/+* 0',#-*
,#."#-',6-#* GL,2/#-* '/+* L'/+,* FIINO9* P,* %!* 0#((*
a/20/* 8)* &!1#-.'/* %/* 82,1* ,1#* >'1'.'!* '/+* ,1#*
Turks and Caicos islands that conch are found most often in shallow seagrass beds in the summer '/+* +##"#-* 0',#-* %/* ,1#* 0%/,#-* GH#!!#* FIJIO9* L2*
if conchs seem to prefer shallow seagrass beds in the summer, it would make sense that their day to +')*.27#.#/,*026(+*8#*%/56#/$#+*8)*,#."#-',6-#*
and sun exposure as shallow waters receive higher '.26/,!*2=*,1#!#*'8%2,%$*7'-%'8(#!*GH#!!#*FIJIO9*W1#*
!'.#* !,6+)* 8)* L,2/#-* '/+* L'/+,* GFIINO* %((6!,-',#+*
'* !%4/%&$'/,* %/7#-!#* -#(',%2/!1%"* 8#,0##/* $2/$1*
density in certain habitats and photoperiod length.
A night dive to assess conch behavior indicated an increase in conch activity during twilight hours,
"'-,%$6('-()*2=*_67#/%(#!*G<'/+'(*FIdTO9*W1#-#=2-#B*%,*
may be that possible that density of conch in the bay
CV
is higher than estimated and future research should aim at conducting studies during time periods to compensate for this.
!"#$%#&'()&$*+$)",&$&)'-.$/%*0,-#$)"#$1234$5,)"$
updated information on conch status in Lac Bay.
The existing population could be much higher than assessed or previously thought if daily movements and behavior of conch inhibited researchers from 6#)),76$)%'#$86'%#&$+%*9$#:;"$)%:7&#;)<$=#&/,)#$)"#$
fact that numbers of conch appear to be low, proper conservation of certain habitats could improve )"#,%$7'9>#%&<$?7;#$9*%#$-:):$:%#$6:)"#%#-$,)$9:.$
>#;*9#$#0,-#7)$)":)$'7,@'#$":>,):)&$,7$A:;$":%>*%$
&,67,8;:7)(.$ 9*%#$ ;*7;"&$ )":7$ *)"#%&B$ #&/#;,:((.$
mature individuals. Despite the hope for these possibilities, the reality is that density is much lower than previous study and may suggest the occurance of an Allee effect. This highlights the need for immediate action. Poaching appears to be the biggest problem and without enforcement against it, the population of conch will continue declining.
The total absence of conch in Lac means the loss of a food source as well as additional economic
#C/*%)B$5",;"$5*'(-$*)"#%5,&#$>#7#8)$)"#$,&(:7-$,7$
the future.
Acknowledgements
This study would not have been possible without the /#%9,&&,*7$ *+$ D!E2F4F$ 5"*$ :((*5#-$ %#&#:%;"$ ,7$
A:;$1:.<$!":7G$.*'$0#%.$9';"$=%<$3:%,:$H<$I.:%%:$
for her extensive guidance. Additional thanks to F(#C$ A#9:7JA:5%,#$ +*%$ #+8;,#7)(.$ 7:0,6:),76$
through Lac Bay with the boat, and at the same time avoiding delicate and endangered Acropora.
K#&#:%;"$ 5*'(-$ 7*)$ ":0#$ >##7$ /*&&,>(#$ 5,)"*')$
)"#$ :,-$ *+$ 3:%,&&:$ 4:'(,76$ :7-$ =:7$ D)#%7>#%6<$ F$
&/#;,:($ )":7G&$ )*$F77:K*&#$F-:9&$ +*%$ "#%$ &)%*76$
:-0,;#$ *7$ %#&#:%;"$ )#;"7,@'#$ :7-$ %#&#:%;"$ %#(:)#-$
topics throughout the semester. Finally, a thank you )*$ D:(*9#$ 1*%*-:$ +*%$ "#%$ :--,),*7:($ 6',-:7;#$ :7-$
contemplation of research efforts.
References
F//#(-**%7$ KD$ LMNOOP$ F6#$ -#)#%9,7:),*7$ 6%*5)"$
9*%):(,).$:7-$:6#$*+$8%&)$%#/%*-';),*7$,7$Q'##7$
conch Strombus gigas L<B$*++$4'#%)*$K,;*<$R,&"$
K#&$STUSUJUVO$
F//#(-**%7$ KD$ LMNNWP$ X%*5)"$ *+$ Y'0#7,(#$ Q'##7$
conch, Strombus gigas L., off La Parguera 4'#%)*$K,;*<$Z$D"#((8&"$K#&$NT[NJS\
1#7#$ HB$!#58G$F$ L\WWUP$ 1,*(*6,;:($ #0:(':),*7$ *+$
marine protected area: evidence of crowding effect on a protected population of Queen conch ,7$)"#$H:%,>>#:7<$3:%$];*($\^T^[J[O$
H":G:(:(($ 1B$ 3:":7$ KB$ 3;H*77#.$ 4B$ 2'%&#$ AB$
?-#%&*7$ =$ L\WWVP$ X*0#%7:7;#$ *+$ 8&"#%,#&$
and other living marine resources in the wider H:%,>>#:7<$R,&"$K#&$OVTN\_NN
[^
=:0,&$ 3$ L\WW[P$ D/#;,#&$ /%*8(#$ Q'##7$ ;*7;"B$
Strombus gigas. D*')"#%7$K#6,*7:($F@':;'()'%#$
Center
]"%":%-)$ 32B$ `:((#J]&@',0#($ 3$ L\WWOP$ H*7;"$
(Strombus gigas) D)*;G$ F&&#&&9#7)$ 3:7':(<$
H:%,>>#:7$8&"$9:7:6#9#7)$;*'7;,(
X(:a#%$KFB$b,-7#.$ZF$L\WW^P$c:>,):)$:&&*;,:),*7&$
of adult Queen conch (Strombus gigas) in an '78&"#-$R(*%,-:$b#.&$>:;G$%##+T$://(,;:),*7$)*$
#&),:($8&"$":>,):)<$1'(($3:%$D;,$V[T\W[J\\^
c:(($ X1B$ H(*&#$ Hc$ L\WWSP$ A*;:($ G7*5(#-6#$
:&&#&&9#7)$ +*%$ :$ &9:((J&;:(#$ 8&"#%.'&,76$
6#*6%:/",;$ ,7+*%9:),*7$ &.&)#9&<$ R,&"$ K#&$
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