Abstract

The distribution of juvenile queen conch has been associated with certain ecologically unique characteristics within seagrass beds, such as strong tidal circulation pattems, depth between 2 to 3.5 m, and seagrass beds with intermediate biomass. Knowledge of the location of nurseries grounds is important to guarantee their protection for fisheries management or stock enhancement programs. The Jaragua National Park is located in the Southwest portion of the Dominican Republic and supports an important artisanal fishery for lobsters, queen conch and fishes. Its general management plan is in the way of being reviewed.\In order of provide precise information onjuvenile queen conch distribution in the shallow waters of the Jaragua National Park, a total of 34 transects were conducted during the months of March and June - July of 1997. Data were collected on conch abundance, length, age, habitat type, and depth (to a maximum of 20 m). For conch density and abundance estimations, the arca was divided into five regions (Canal de Beata, Bucan de Tui, El Cuevon, Babia de Las Aguilas, Cabo Rojo). Most of the conch found were juveniles (88.9%). Canal de Beata had the highest density of juveniles (114.17 conchs/ha) and abundance (658,707 conchs), while Bucan de Tuy had the lowest density (4.03 conchs/ha) and Cabo Rojo had the lowest abundance (14,343 conchs). The overall estimates of juvenile density and abundance was 52.98 conchs/ha and 1,076,169 conchs, respectively. Juvenile density was highest on mixed seagrass beds (73.9 conchs/ha) and below 7 m depth (73.7 conchs/ha). Adult density at these depths was 4.6 conchs/ha. Canal de Beata appears to be the most suitable arca to be considered as an important nursery ground and measures should be taken for its protection

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