Queen conch snail in the Bahamas - not your average gastropod.

Queen Conch Snail - I photographed the diver as he plucked it out of the water.

Ever seen a 12-inch snail that weighs 5 pounds?  While visiting an island in the Bahamas, I photographed a diver who pulled a queen conch snail out of the water.  I have seen the shells before, often fairly beat up and not nearly as colourful as this one.  What's impressive is that the snails may live up to 30 years old.

Queen conch snails have two problems.  The first is that their shell is attractive and used by collectors and jewellery makers.  The second is that the snail itself is edible; in fact, it is downright tasty.  It has been compared to abalone, which is popular in the Pacific Northwest.  And, just like abalone, over hunting has reduced the numbers to concerning levels.  Because of this, the species is now protected.  If you find or buy an empty shell, you are allowed to bring up to three back into the US.  In Canada, you have to meet specific exemption conditions.  You can read about the exemptions here.

Queen conch snails lay millions of eggs per year.  The snails need to survive for about 4 years before they can reproduce.  Besides humans, the snails are preyed upon by numerous marine animals, including turtles, sharks, other snails, and lobsters.  But it's humans that have been devastating the population.  Have a look at the linked image here.  The sheer number of snail shells is astonishing. If only invasive lionfish were harvested like this.

Vacationing in the Caribbean and wanting a tasty local dish?  Leave the conch alone.  Ask for meat from the invasive lionfish.  You'll be doing the snails a big favour.

Thanks for reading.

Eric Svendsen     www.ericspix.com