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Anthropogenic Effects on Queen Conch Reproductive Development in South Florida
In South Florida, the queen conch, Strombus gigas, once was a significant commercial and recreational fishery. In the mid-1980s, the stock declined precipitously resulting in a moratorium on harvest in 1985 in state waters; the moratorium was then extended to federal waters in 1986. Research has shown a complete cessation of spawning in adult queen conch from nearshore waters, although anecdotal reports from as late as the mid-1980's indicated nearshore spawning. Histological examinations of gonadal tissues from male and female conch found nearshore have shown serious deficits in gonadal condition when compared with their offshore counterparts.
This project examines anthropogenic effects on queen conch reproduction in the Florida Keys . The goals of this project are to:
- Examine production of the egg protein vitellin (Vtg), a biomarker sensitive to xenobiotics in nearshore and offshore conch,
- Conduct histological examinations of conch gonadal tissue
- Determine if there are significant correlations between the presence of environmental contaminants and endocrine-related parameters (e.g., Vtg levels and gonadal condition).
Initial results from this project are anticipated in early 2005.
Partners
National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science
Florida Marine Research Institute
University of Florida