Non-Detriment Finding Regarding the Export of Queen conch (Lobatus gigas) from St Eustatius (Caribbean Netherlands)

Queen conch (Lobatus gigas (Strombidae; Gastropoda) is a large, long-lived marine gastropod that is widely distributed throughout the coastal zones of the Wider Caribbean region. Because of concern for its future the species was listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1992. This non-detriment finding was written following the most recent checklist for CITES non-detriment findings. The suggested annual (export) quota for the small scale, artisanal queen conch fishery on St Eustatius is based on recent scientific data on the status of the wild population and follows the recommendations of the first CMFC/OSPESCA/WECAFC/CRFM/CITES Working Group on Queen Conch (QCWG) to ensure a sustainable harvest and trade.