Abstract

The Queen Conch, Aliger gigas, is an iconic cultural symbol of The Bahamas and is a staple in Bahamian diet. However, due to overfishing of juvenile populations, the sustainability of the conch fishery is threatened. In The Bahamas, the resource is easily exploited due to its slow-moving nature and its residence in shallow habitats. This is compounded by weaker enforcement due to capacity limitations and outdated fisheries laws and regulations. The livelihoods of over 9,000 fishers across the country, who would be left susceptible to growing economic challenges, would be at risk under the current management plan, if continued as is (Gittens and Braynen, 2013). This may result in added fishing pressure on other fisheries, which are also strained, and further challenge fishing communities with limited alternative livelihoods (Caribbean Regional Fishery Mechanism, 2012). The community-based approach to Queen Conch fishery management considers a bottom-up approach to creating a sustainable fishery. This study considered value added conch products and alternative livelihoods options for two pilot communities in the district of East Grand Bahama considering their expressed interest. A socioeconomic survey was conducted within the community wherein 29 residents stated that they felt confident in their ability to manage their fishery and benefit in the future. Most individuals indicated that they follow the laws and regulations set forth for their fishery. Every resident surveyed was interested in further training for conch management, and value-added skills. An outcome of the project is a report that recommends a three-part process where community leadership was identified to form an association/quasi-cooperative, training residents in conch shell products creation/artisan craft, and the potential of conch ranching for educational and ecotourism benefits (short-term) and replenishing fisheries stocks (long-term).

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