Pink conch Strombus gigas is a symbol of the Mexican Caribbean. However, due to the beauty of its shell and the flavor of its meat, it is under the pressure of a great demand in regional and international markets.

The capture of pink conch intensified remarkably in the 1980s, becoming the second greatest regional fishery, from the economic standpoint, after the lobster.

Due to this, the pink conch has been overexploited to a degree that it is regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), in addition to being declared commercially threatened species in 1992.

In Mexico there is no consistent administrative policy. While in Campeche conch fishing has not been regulated, Yucatan has a permanent ban, and in Quintana Roo the resource is based on capture quotas and temporary bans. All of this has led to illegal fishing and commercialization, and you may find it throughout the entire year in restaurants and markets.

In the face of this situation, it is imperative to bring forth a new regulation that authorizes the rational management of the pink conch, allowing for rehabilitation.

Awareness Campaign
An advertising campaign and a certificate for restaurateurs are being designed, in order to bring awareness within this sector in regard to the consumption of the pink conch.

The campaign will be carried out by using printed and audiovisual advertising materials.