Size distribution and density of Strombus gigas in Greater Lameshur Bay, St John, USVI
Brickell JT. 1987. Size distribution and density of Strombus gigas in Greater Lameshur Bay, St John, USVI. In Brickell JT. School for Field Studies Student Research Reports Caribbean Program Sept-December 1987
Measured size, distribution and density of queen conch (Strombus gigas) in Greater Lameshur Bay, St. John. Compared with previous studies. Includes a distribution map. The size distribution and density of Strombus gigas was studies in order to correspond with other distribution and density studies. The survey was done by laying a series of transect lines in the conch bed and measuring the length of each conch. From the data, a population of 2,044 conch was estimated. A dense are of the population was located in the northern portion of the study area and the size frequency of the pop. peaked at 13cm and 18cm. When compared to the previous studies an estimated number of 513 conch were missing from the study are and a previous dense area in the southern portion of the conch bed no longer existed. It was also found that there is a significant relationship between date and size class distribution. A sparseness of adult conch in deeper water, a non-existence of the dense area in the southern portion of the study area a population decrease of 20%, and evidence of several harnessed conch lead to the conclusion that a significant number of conch have been poached from The Grater Lameshur Bay.
- Type
- Book Chapter
- Authors
- Brickell, Janice
- Units
- VIIS
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, Distribution, Greater Lameshur Bay, Map, Population Density, queen conch (Strombus gigas), Size, St. John, US Virgin Islands