Abstract

Strombus gigas (Queen Conch) is an economically important fishery species managed by an export quota system in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI). The quota is based on the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) less an allowance for domestic consumption. A lack of data on domestic consumption however, raises the concern that if underestimated, stocks managed using MSY will diminish from over harvest. In 1999-2000, 5% of the MSY was allocated for domestic consumption, however, there is anecdotal evidence that domestic consumption of conch is much higher. In 2003, of the Total Landed Conch (1,657,876 lbs), 99% was exported, suggesting most domestic consumption does not pass through this system. To provide an accurate estimate of conch consumption by TCI residents, an intercept survey was administered to the adult population between July and September 2004. Information collected included individual consumption of conch and other seafood as well as limited demographic information (age, gender, island of residence, nationality). The majority of respondents ate conch (72%). The majority of conch consumed does not go through the market, with 15% claiming personal capture, while 36% receive the conch as a gift from fishermen. Median serving size differed by island (Krushal-Wallis test: H (3, n = 258) = 23.760, p = 0.0000) and gender (H (1, n = 339) = 6.651, p = 0.010). The median serving size was 0.114 kg for all respondents. Frequency of consumption did not vary significantly by island or age, but differed by nationality (Krushal-Wallis test: H (3, n = 337) = 10.240, p = 0.017), source (H (3, n = 250) = 22.087, p = 0.0001) and gender (H (1, n = 339) = 7.781, p = 0.005). The median frequency of consumption was 4.333 times/month. Concerns with potential biases in the results will be addressed through the use of a supplemental survey to be administered in conjunction with the larger survey to an additional sample of residents. With more conclusive figures, local consumption can be included in the calculations for MSY and utilized to determine the landings quota.

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