Imagine snorkeling in the Bahamas, encountering a queen conch, and dedicating your life to saving this species. Dr. Megan Davis shares her 50-year journey from childhood fascination to leading queen conch restoration efforts throughout the Caribbean.

In This Episode:

Guest Speaker: Megan Davis, Ph.D. – Research Professor, Florida Atlantic University, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Queen Conch Lab

Host: Mike Coogan, Ph.D. Research Assistant Professor, Center for Sustainable Seafood Systems, University of New Hampshire

Co-Host: Mike Chambers, Ph.D. Aquaculture Research Professor at the School of Marine Science and Ocean Engineering, Center for Sustainable Seafood Systems

Key Takeaways:

• Understand the life cycle and breeding habits of queen conch, including their internal fertilization and egg-laying process.
• Explore the importance of seagrass beds for queen conch habitats and their role in carbon sequestration.
• Learn about queen conch restoration efforts in the Caribbean through mobile laboratories and community involvement.
• Identify the challenges in establishing hatcheries, including site selection and water quality.
• Consider the potential for queen conch farming, including grow-out areas, stocking densities, and pearl production.

Resources Mentioned:

• Florida Atlantic University
• Queen Conch Lab
• NOAA’s Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee (MAFAC)
• Conservacion Con Ciencia (Raymundo Espinoza)
• Saltonstall-Kennedy Grants
• Community-Based Mobile Hatcheries and Nurseries
• eConch Online Course