The queen conch (Strombus gigas) is a culinary staple and key protein source for people all over the Caribbean. Unfortunately, their historic abundance has been affected by overfishing and climate change. In the newest episode of the Conch Podcast, we learn how one woman is galvanizing collaborations and advancing science to save this iconic species through restoration and conch farming—one farm at a time.

Julie is joined by Dr. Megan Davis, a conch farmer and Research Professor of Aquaculture and Stock Enhancement at the Florida Atlantic University, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Her mission is to establish a conch farm in every country in the Caribbean in collaboration with the fishermen and communities that depend on this incredible animal for subsistence and livelihoods.

Episode Transcript

Episode Guide

• :00 Intro
• 01:07 Why this podcast is named after the iconic shellfish, the conch
• 03:00 The Queen Conch Lab's grand vision is to have a conch farm in every Caribbean country to grow this culturally iconic species and keystone vegan herbivore!
• 4:54 While the conch's shell is a natural fortress, they have some predators
• 6:19 Conch have been overfished and are susceptible to the effects of climate change; Also, ever wonder about how the conch reproduce? Megan shares how!
• 9:46 The Queen Conch Lab grows conch to release back into the wild to restore their population. The young conch lead a pretty pampered life.
• 12:14 Conch and oysters, both shellfish and molluscs, are similarly farmed, however what happens after metamorphosis is where they differ (bivalves filter feed and conch graze on seagrass, like manatees!)
• 15:15 Building trust with local communities and conch fishermen in the Caribbean is key to achieving the Queen Conch Lab's grand vision
• 20:53 Who eats conch and what is their importance to local food security?
• 24:52 Best kept secret: CONCH CAN GROW BEAUTIFUL PINK PEARLS!
• 29:59 Megan's journey as a conch farmer and scientist started with meeting her first conch at the age of 16 and has lead her to become adept at plumbing - a requirement of the job
• 37:20 Does being a woman make working with fishing communities easier?
• 40:46 Megan's 3 pieces of advice for women in seafood and STEM

• Resources:

1. Check out @queenconchlab on Instagram and conchaquaculture.org to learn more than you would have ever dreamed about conch aquaculture for restoration and conservation.
2. Make sure to recommend this episode to anyone you think might care about the future of our ocean and women working in the sector.

The Conch Podcast series is a program of Seafood and Gender Equality (SAGE) and made possible by generous funding from The David and Lucile Packard Foundation. Audio production, engineering, editing, mixing, and sound design by Crystal Sanders-Alvarado for Seaworthy. Original music provided by Satan's Pilgrims.