Abstract

Queen conch morphology assessment was carried out along the North and West of Saint Lucia’s coast. The activities and analysis of data from sampled population helped to achieve the following objectives: i) Develop baseline morphometric data with respect to conch for Saint Lucia; ii) Determine if there were spatial variability in regards to conch morphology; iii) Examine length-weight relationships for various maturity stages (juvenile, sub adult, adult and old adult); iv) Develop national-derived conversion factors for different levels of processed conch meat; and v) Appraise current management regimes (e.g., minimum size / weight). For the pooled adult conch, shell length and shell lip thickness differed significantly along the coast and among fishing areas in Saint Lucia ( p < 0.05), where conch from the west coast were larger and greater lip thickness than conch in the north. Analysis of sampled adult conch further underpins the fact that queen conch exhibit sexual dimorphism as female queen conch are significantly larger and weighed more than male conch ( p < 0.001). Variations in sexual dimorphism and spatial variability among adult conch have implications for management regimes, as larger female conch may be favored over male conch; similarly the differences between the sexes with respect to the size at sexual maturity and the current legal minimum size. Recognizing the variations or changes that exist in the life history of the queen conch, conversion factors for various processing grade of conch revealed that there is a significant difference between the various process grade to nominal weight among the different stages of conch maturity (p < 0.005). The results from the assessment highlights the need for the strengthening of current management approach, considering one that is multifaceted, and based on participation and cooperation to ensure that the conch fishery is sustainable.

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