The text discusses the importance of implementing the Regional Queen Conch Fisheries Management and Conservation Plan in the WECAFC region to address challenges such as the complex biology of the species, illegal trade, weak surveillance, and unsustainable fishing practices. It emphasizes the need for increased efforts to monitor and enforce regulations to ensure the sustainability of queen conch populations. The document recommends updating qualitative values collected in 2019,2020 with additional data from all countries participating in the queen conch fishery by 2024. It also suggests utilizing advanced genetic techniques like Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) to identify spatial distribution of the species and combat illegal harvesting. The text highlights the importance of collaboration among WECAFC Members to strengthen activities against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing of queen conch. It mentions the Regional Plan of Action to prevent IUU fishing in WECAFC Member Countries and the need for additional resources to support the implementation of management measures outlined in the plan.
2022-01-01