Abstract

In order to know the density and the population structure data at the Cabo Cruz were obtained that included three climatic periods (rainy, dry and cold front periods) at three zones: Farito, Guafe and Laguna, during 2010. Population density varied from 0.0247 ind/m2 at Guafe in the rainy period, to 0.1767 ind/m2 at Farito in the dry one. The highest density was detected at dry season (0.1395 ind/m2) and the lowest in the rainy one (0.0647 ind/m2). The siphonal length (SL) and the lip thickness (LT) of 1836 conchs were measured; the SL varied from 87 to 286 mm. An analysis of LT showed that 72.93 % of conchs had a completely formed lip, but they measured less than 200 mm SL, the minimal allowed fishing size in Cuba. Apparently, the conch population at Cabo Cruz is constituted by small conchs, with a gradual increase in weight and lip thickness, turning them into "dwarf" conchs. This fact was possibly density-dependent. Results are compared with data obtained at Banco Chinchorro, Mexico. We propose some alternative with precautionary focus to be included at the new revision of the Desembarco del Granma management plan, focused to conch and its sustainable use.