Poster
Crime scene investigation of recreational marine fisheries: The impact of shore-based recreational fishing of Queen Conch (Strombus gigas) in Culebra Island, PR
Registro en:
Autor
Robles, Emily
Muñoz, Mirnel
Vélez, Arlianne
Olivo, Iván
Hernández-Delgado, Edwin A.
Institución
Resumen
Queen conch (Strombus gigas) is one of the most
significant edible benthic invertebrate species
through the Caribbean, but its populations have
largely declined through time. Its recreational fishery
impact still remains poorly documented. Crime Scene
Investigation (CSI) approaches were used to
examine shell dumps (“concheros”) along the
shoreline in Culebra Island, PR, to test four
hypotheses: (1) Conch is illegally captured within the
Luis Peña Channel No-take Natural Reserve
LPCNR); (2) Illegal-sized shells constitute most of
the fishery; (3) There is shell harvesting within the
seasonal closure; and (4) There is no difference in
shell parameters within and outside the no-take
reserve.
Six replicate 50 x 4 m (200 m2) belt transects along
or close to the shoreline were used to count and
measure all recent empty shells along the shoreline
at eight shores in Culebra Island (4 within LPCNR, 4
control sites outside) between 2007 and 2009. There
was significant poaching of shells within the no-take
reserve. Mean shell size was 12.1 cm within LPCNR,
and 16 .4 cm outside the reserve, and mean lip width
was below 1.06 mm. More than 99% of the shells
inspected failed to meet minimum size limits
[Minimum shell length: 9” (22.9 cm); Minimum lip
width: 3/8” (9 mm)]. Evidence of recent illegal
captures within the seasonal closure was also found,
even within the no-take reserve. There was no
difference in shell abundance among sites, even
within the no-take reserve.
Shells were largely aggregated in specific remote
locations, usually under tree shades. Crime scene
locations are regular spots of difficult access,
frequently used by poachers. Our study confirms that
Conch is being continuously poached by recreational
and/or artisanal fishers, even within the no-take
reserve, suggesting the need of more aggressive
education, patrolling and enforcement.