Volume 54
Potential for Queen Conch Grow-out Facilities
Authors
Pardee Woodring, M.; Boettcher, A.A. Download PDF Open PDF in BrowserOther Information
Date: November, 2001
Pages: 450-456
Event: Proceedings of the Fifty Fourth Annual Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute
City: Providenciales Turks & Caicos Islands
Country: Turks and Caicos Islands
Abstract
A study was conducted to assess the feasibility for establishment of queen conch, Strombus gigas, grow-out facilities. Hatchery seed (1.5 cm) for pond culture andjuveniles (8 cm) for cage or pond culture are available through the Caicos Conch Fann. TWI Ltd., a commercial scale culture facility. In addition, markets for conch ranging in size from 2.5-16 cm have been established. Grow-out system cost and yields estimates for both pond and cage culture were determined. These included evaluations for capital requirements, scale of production, size of unit at input, stocking densities, and final market product. Current standing as well as future research and development needs are addressed.