University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Queen Conch Sur veys
In November, Isla Mar( Dr. Harms-Tuohy) joined forces with visiting scientists on a Saltonstall-Kennedy funded project comparing queen conch( Lobatus gigas) survey methods. Traditionally, a diver-based method is used to age and size the conch. However, the team- Ph. D. candidate Wilmelie Cruz and Dr. Brad Stevens
- suggest a towed video-sled could be a feasible method to assess population density, among other factors. Dr. Harms-Tuohy assisted through training the team and student divers in the methods of aging and estimating size of queen conch. Dives involved the use of diver propulsion vehicles( scooters) to survey seagrass and sand habitats for queen conch. Isla Mar contributed to dives into December, while the team finished up before the holidays. Next steps involve analyzing the sled video to identify conch in the image stills. Dr. Harms-Tuohy will continue to assist the project into their second year. Local knowledge of the " ins and outs " of conducting research in PR is a valuable asset to any visiting scientist! Talk to us about partnering.
La Parguera & Cabo Rojo