Abstract

The low abundance of queen conch (Strombus gigas L.) in many parts of the Caribbean is cause for concern and urgent steps are required to protect the resource and the livelihoods of those who depend on it. Queen conch represents one of the most valuable demersal resources in the region and is second only to spiny lobster in fisheries value to the Caribbean region. Although not threatened with extinction the queen conch has been placed on Appendix II of the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Generally there is considerable knowledge available on the biology, ecology and dynamics of the species that should be used as a basis for management action while additional knowledge is accumulated. However there are. important uncertainties in the knowledge of the resource and these require actions based on conservative assumptions in keeping with the Precautionary Approach to Fisheries. This paper examines this principle and others related to the harvesting of living marine resources for long term sustainability, particularly as contained in the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. The Code urges states to apply the Precautionary Approach using the best scientific evidence available including stock specific target and limit reference points and what actions should be taken if these points are exceeded. In view of the need to manage queen conch at the level of local aggregations much responsibility for management will rest will individual states. There is much to he gained from regional co-operation and it is recommended that a regional management arrangement be established to co-ordinate and facilitate exchange between management organisations. Sets of national objectives need to be developed with the participation of all recognised interest groups, including fishers. These objectives should encompass biological, social, economic, marketing and other key concerns. In order to develop a coherent set of regional objectives there may be the need for compromise.

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