Success of Glover’s Reef Marine Reserve on Queen Conch (Strombus gigas) Populations in Belize

Authors

Gianna Fanelli, University of Central FloridaFollow
Ciera Jarrett, University of Central FloridaFollow
Sara Joralemon, University of Central FloridaFollow

Mentor

Dr. Linda Walters

Abstract

The queen conch (Strombus gigas) provides important economic, ecological, and societal benefits to local communities throughout the Caribbean. The species, however, has fallen victim to commercial exploitation and overfishing in many areas. In Belize, even with restricted harvesting seasons, size restrictions, and regulations set by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), harvesting practices have significantly depleted populations. Marine reserves, including the Glover’s Reef Marine Reserve, were established to protect biodiversity and maintain populations of Belize’s natural coral reefs. Utilizing size, frequency, and evidence of harvesting (shell notches), the 2018 Tropical Marine Biology (BSC 3355) course analyzed the effectiveness of this reserve on protecting populations of S. gigas. Conch inside the reserve were significantly larger than those outside the reserve, a trait important for reproductive capacity. Population abundance, however, was similar, with few live conch in either area. This finding provides evidence that queen conch populations in Glover’s Reef Marine Reserve are still threatened by harvesting. It is suggested that further precautions, regulations, and educational programs be put into place to protect and increase S. gigas populations in this reserve and throughout Belize.

About the Author

Gianna Fanelli is a recent UCF graduate with a B.S. in Biology from the Burnett Honors College, focusing on the Marine and Aquatic Sciences. During her time at UCF, she was involved with the Coastal and Estuarine Ecology Lab, Marine Turtle Research Group, and EXCEL/COMPASS program. She hopes to continue research in the future and plans to attend graduate school to focus on marine conservation biology. Ciera Jarrett is a recent UCF graduate with a B.S. in Biology from the Burnett Honors College, focusing on the Marine and Aquatic Sciences. During her time at UCF, she was a coxswain for the Women’s Rowing team and volunteered for the Coastal and Estuarine Ecology Lab. Sara Joralemon is a recent graduate with a B.S. in Biology with a focus in Zoology, as well as a minor in Hospitality. She has worked at multiple AZA institutions in animal husbandry positions, and hopes to continue to do so as a career.

Recommended Citation

Fanelli, Gianna; Jarrett, Ciera; and Joralemon, Sara (2021) "Success of Glover’s Reef Marine Reserve on Queen Conch (Strombus gigas) Populations in Belize," The Pegasus Review: UCF Undergraduate Research Journal: Vol. 13: Iss. 2, Article 2.
Available at: https://stars.library.ucf.edu/urj/vol13/iss2/2