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Queen Conch Reproductive Impairment and Impact on the Species Management Plan
Objectives
In South Florida, the queen conch Strombus gigas once comprised a significant commercial and recreational fishery. In the mid-1980s, the stock declined precipitously, and resulted in a moratorium on harvest in state waters in 1985, which was 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 examination of gonadal tissues from male and female conch found nearshore revealed serious deficits in gonadal condition, when compared to their offshore counterparts. Interestingly, reciprocal transplant experiments have shown that non-reproducing nearshore conch moved to offshore areas begin to reproduce after a few months, while offshore conch moved to nearshore areas cease reproduction.
CCMA’s COAST Branch, along with theFlorida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI), and the University of Florida are conducting a project to examine anthropogenic effects on queen conch reproduction in the Florida Keys. The goals of the project are to: develop and examine biomarkers of endocrine disruption in the conch, conduct histological examinations of conch gonadal tissue, and determine if there are significant correlations between the presence of environmental contaminants and endocrine-related parameters. Currently, the University of Florida is working to develop biomarkers of endocrine disruption queen conch. This phase of the project has gone slower than expected, due to problems the University encountered in developing the biomarkers. If the University of Florida is successful in developing the biomarkers, phase two of the project (field work) could commence. Samples of conch in the wild would be collected and the biomarkers analyzed to assess endocrine disruption. At the same time, the National Status and Trends Program would collect and then analyze samples of sediments and tissue to assess the presence of chemical contaminants, and their correlation with observed effects in the conch.
Prescription and nonprescription pharmaceuticals are used in significant quantities in the U.S. Excretion, incomplete metabolism, or disposal of these compounds, followed by incomplete degradation in wastewater treatment facilities can result in their discharge to surface waters.
Time Frame
Completion: 12/31/06
For More Information
Tony Pait
1305 East West Highway
SSMC-IV, N/SCI-1
Silver Spring, MD 20910
301-713-3028 x158