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