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Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Queen conch fishery |
| Data Ownership | This document provided, maintained and owned by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) , is part of WECAFC Fisheries Reports data collection. |
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Overview: The conch habitats are found on the transboundary Grenada bank, hence the fishery is based mainly in the Grenadine Island chain. Approximately 60% of conch are exported.
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Fishing Activity Type of production system: Artisanal Fishery Area Bottom type: Seagrass; Soft bottom. Depth zone: Coastal (0 m - 50 m); Shelf - Uppershelf (up to 100 m). Horizontal distribution: Neritic. Vertical distribution: Benthic. Queen conch inhabit areas with sand, seagrass beds and flat sandy areas. Geo References Exclusive Economic Zone Areas (EEZ) | VCT - Saint Vincent/Grenadines |
More Geo References The following area codes have been found as intersecting the location of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Queen conch fishery Fishing Gear Gear neiMask, snorkel and fins Vessel Type Fishing vessels not specifiedFlat transoms: these are commonly called bow and stern, dories or cigarette. They are open boats 3 - 6 m (11- 27 ft) in length with a beam of 0.9 - 2.1 m. They are constructed from wood or marine plywood. The wood or plywood in many cases is covered by epoxy or fibreglass. Flat transom boats have a pointed bow and flat stern. They are powered by one or two outboard gasoline engines ranging from 14 to 115 hp. Flag State Saint Vincent/Grenadines Fleet segment Three fishers work on each boat, consisting of a diver, floater and boat operator. The diver collects conchs in a mesh bag using SCUBA gear while the floater remains on the surface free-diving and watching over the diver. The floater periodically lowering a basket or canvas bag to the diver to lad the conch with is then hauled up by the driver of the boat. Ports Kima, Pafa, Asht, Clif, Cano Fisherfolks Community Vincentians List of fishery Indicators Fishery Indicators Type | Measure | Value | Unit | Time period |
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Nominal Effort | Number of vessels | ~17 | vessels | 2008 | Employment | Number of fishermen | 45 | Persons | 2008 | Production | Landed Volume | ~22 (tonnes/year) | tonnes | 1990-2011 | Landed Volume | 54 | tonnes | 2014 | Landed Value | 68 500 | USD/year | 2014 |
Post Harvest Fish Utilisation Human consumption Markets Barbados,Trinidad and Tobago, USA, British Virgin Islands Management Management unit: Yes Jurisdictional framework Management Body/Authority(ies): Fisheries Division, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Mandate: Management. Area under national jurisdiction: Saint Vincent/Grenadines Maritime Area: Exclusive Economic Zone Areas (EEZ). Management Regime The Fisheries Division has the following pieces of legislation to assist with the management and development of the sector: The Fisheries Act (1986) and Regulation (1987). These form part of the OECS harmonized legislation. Cover: Fisheries access agreements, local and foreign fishing licencing, fisheries research, enforcement, registration of fishing vessels as well as conservation measures such as close season, size restriction etc. Management Methods Fisheries Regulations with focus on Size limit, Spawner/Juvenile protection - Binding No person shall take sell or purchase or have in his possession any immature conch. Immature conch means a conch shell which is smaller than 7 inches, does not have a flared lip or a conch with the toltal meat weight of less than 8 ozs after the digestive gland is removed. More information on fisheries legislation at: FAOLEX legislative database Source of Information Fisheries Division, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Personal communication, January 2016. http://www.agriculture.gov.vc/agriculture/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=96&Itemid=88 Bibliography Baldwin, K., Punnett, S. and B. Chakalall. 2008. A Preliminary Investion of the Queen Conch Fishery in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. http://www.grenadinesmarsis.com/uploads/Baldwinetal_QueenConchPoster.pdfJardine, C. and L. Straker. 2003. Fisheries Data Information Document, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Fisheries Division, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. 52pp. |
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