|
|
What is a Conch? Queen Conch: The once ubiquitous Queen Conch (Strombus gigas) is a shellfish that symbolizes the Florida Key's. They can be recognized by their large beautiful shell, eye located at the end of two tentacles and their mouth, which protrudes like a trunk. But in recent years Queen Conchs have harvested in such numbers that they are now a protected species in Florida. Conchs have many natural predators including fish, sharks, lobsters, crabs, stingrays, sea turtles and octopus. However, the biggest threat to the Conch's survival is the human race. They are easy prey, having little defense and slow transportation. Hence, there is a heavy fine for anyone who is found taking Queen Conch in Florida. The conch served here at the Conch Republic Seafood Co. is "farm-raised" from the Turks and Caicos Islands. Our conch is neither wild nor taken from local waters. Conch is an excellent source of protein. In fact it contains more protein per gram, than chicken. It has a low fat content and contains no saturated fat. Conch is very tender and sweet. They are strict vegetarians feeding mainly on algae; this is one reason why they are so good for you. Our conch is flown in regularly, so it's fresh not frozen.
CONCHS IN THE CLASSROOM: Children are the key to improving our environment in the future. Through education and leading by example we can show our youth that they can make a direct impact on the environment today and for the rest of their lives. The Conch Farm educational and Research Foundation would like to create a yearlong project developed for children to encourage and educate their awareness on local endangered marine species. We would like to concentrate on the Queen conch, which has become a symbol of Key West. We would like to educate the children on the importance of this species in the marine ecology system. The children will learn about aquaculture and the techniques and reasoning behind raising conch. They will be taught how to raise conch in a tank environment. They will also learn the life cycle and habitat of the Queen Conch, along with its impact in history. This project will will start at the beginning of the school year and it will continue until the end of the school year. Each classroom will be given a certain number of measured conchs to raise throughout the school year. We will chart and record all growth for the Conch. Growth size and numbers remaining in each tank at the years end will determine the success of each class. At the end of the school year the children will take a field trip with their conch to release them back into the waters of Key West. These conchs will be tagged to assist in future research with their population, migration and growth rates. For information, email conchfarm@conchrepublicseafood.com
|
|
|
|
|
about
the conch farm | conchs in the classroom |
|
|
Conch Republic Seafood
Company
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Key West's most exciting adventure |
Custom Designed Decorations & Gift Baskets |
See a virtual tour of the restaurant and bar | Key West Gift Baskets and Party Favors |