Regional Online Workshop Strengthens Capacity for Sustainable Management of Queen Conch Fisheries

March 26, 2026

The Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI), in collaboration with the Secretariat of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), successfully convened a two-day online workshop on the application of Non-Detriment Finding (NDF) guidance for queen conch, held on March 24–25, 2026.

The workshop brought together fisheries managers, scientists, and technical officers from across queen conch range States to strengthen their capacity to assess and ensure the sustainability of international trade in this economically and culturally important species.

Opening remarks were delivered by CITES Secretary-General Ivonne Higuero and GCFI Executive Director Fadilah Ali, who emphasized the importance of science-based decision-making and regional collaboration in securing the future of queen conch fisheries. The workshop was made possible through the generous support of the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Government of Switzerland.

Over two days, participants engaged in in-depth technical sessions led by leading experts in queen conch biology and fisheries science, including Dr. Nelson Ehrhardt, Dr. Richard Appeldoorn, and Dr. Alexander Tewfik. Sessions covered key topics such as the biological and ecological foundations of queen conch population dynamics, principles underpinning Non-Detriment Findings, and the development and application of the new NDF guidance.

Participants were introduced to a structured NDF scoring system, including step-by-step guidance and practical worksheets designed to support national-level assessments. The workshop also featured theoretical scoring exercises and interactive discussions, demonstrating how participants could apply concepts in realistic scenarios.

A key outcome of the workshop was increased understanding of how scientific data and fisheries indicators can be used to inform NDF decisions, ensuring that trade does not threaten the survival of queen conch populations. The CITES Secretariat outlined next steps, including the testing of the NDF guidance, provision of targeted support to countries, and the incorporation of feedback from participants.

GCFI reaffirms its commitment to supporting regional cooperation and capacity building, continuing its nearly 80-year legacy of advancing sustainable fisheries management across the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico.