Abstract

A number of large, predatory gastropods including Chanks (Turbinellidae), Helmets (Cassidae), and Tritons (Ranellidae) are targeted by fishers supplying the trade in collectible shells, components of decorative souvenirs, and a source of food in some areas. However, the over-harvesting of these predators is considered a contributing factor in population increases of their prey resulting in the alteration of shallow-water ecosystem dynamics and loss in biodiversity. Similar cascading effects have been documented in a number of other marine systems in which over-harvesting of predators (e.g. fish, lobsters, sea otters) have resulted in the release of prey and fundamental shifts in benthic communities. Given our limited understanding of predatory gastropods this overview intends to: (1) highlight the importance of predatory gastropods within complex Caribbean seascapes; (2) demonstrate how assessments of gastropod predators may be integrated into existing benthic resource surveys: and (3) provide new information on the ecology and status of several species of predatory gastropods (Cassis flammea, Cassis tuberosa, C. madagascariensis, Charonia variegata, Turbinella angulata) inhabiting seagrass habitats in The Bahamas, Belize and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

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