>If Strombus gigas is internationally protected by the CITES list, why
>can I purchase queen conch chowder or fritters in just about every
>seafood restaurant in Florida? Isn't the meat imported from the Bahamas
>where the species is very plentiful? As are all the Queen Conch shells
>that are sold in gift shops?

Did anyone answer this? Well, here goes...

Strombus gigas is on the CITES 2 list, which I understand means you can
import it with a license to do so. Without one you're not even supposed to
have meat or shells with a hole in them.

Peggy

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