Queen conch is the most important mollusk fishery in the Caribbean region. However, intensive fishing and habitat degradation from urbanization and climate change have caused conch populations to dwindle. In response, FAU’s Megan Davis has launched eConch, a free online training program that provides detailed instructions, photos, and videos on culturing queen conch.

“In addition to their socioeconomic importance, the queen conch plays a critical ecological role in seagrass beds,” says Davis. “Aquaculture, along with conservation of breeding populations and fishery management, are ways we can help ensure longevity of this important species.” eConch uses visuals from the Naguabo Aquaculture Center in Puerto Rico, where Davis has been assisting with stock enhancement since 2019. 

• Megan Davis