Limiting factors for queen conch (Lobatus gigas) reproduction: A simulation-based evaluation

Area of Science:

• Marine biology
• Fisheries science
• Conservation biology

Background:

• Queen conch (Aliger gigas) are vital Caribbean fishery resources.
• Depleted populations fail to recover despite management, likely due to depensatory processes impacting reproduction.
• Understanding reproductive dynamics is key to effective queen conch conservation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To model queen conch reproductive dynamics.
• To evaluate how biological factors influence reproductive success and output.
• To identify drivers of poor recovery in queen conch populations.

Main Methods:

• Developed a reproductive dynamics model for queen conch.
• Simulated effects of density, movement, and sensory perception on mating.
• Compared model outputs with empirical data from the Bahamas and Florida Keys.

Main Results:

• Low mate-finding probability at decreased density is a primary factor in reduced breeding.
• Sexual facilitation and differences in movement/perception explain mating variations between sites.
• Observed mating patterns are insufficient to fully explain population recovery failure.

Conclusions:

• Management must protect high-density reproductive aggregations for queen conch recovery.
• Conservation efforts should focus on critical breeding habitats.
• Addressing factors beyond simple mate-finding is essential for queen conch fisheries.