What is the influence on the Conch Pearls?

It’s a common question popping up every year. What is the influence of climate change, and/or typhoons on the Queen Conch? Will more pearl appear or there will be less? How will the price evolve?

All those questions are complicated to answer. Based on observation, there are 2 things to take into consideration.

Water temperature

First of all, the temperature has a great influence on the fishing of Conch. When the water is too cold, there are fewer fishermen going out to fish Conch meat. They focus on the lobsters which bring them a more comfortable revenue.  Therefore, during the end of 2017 and the beginning of 2018, there were much fewer pearls fished and found. As well. when typhoons are coming, boats don’t go out on fishing trips, which decrease the possibility to find Conch Pearls.

Pollution

We have all seen those gigantic cruise boats navigating the Caribbean. Those buildings on the sea create a lot of interference in the local ecosystem, and at the end of the day, they have an influence on the quality of the water and therefore on the whole food chain.

At the end of the day, it’s beneficial for the Queen Conch, they have some time off to reproduce and grow the population which declines.