As of at least a couple of years ago, there was a thriving Whelk fishery
in Fernandina, Florida and southern Georgia.  Shrimpers trawl for them
in the off-season to supplement their income. As of 1994, 15-40 boats
of Georgia's 400-plus commercial fleet participated in the harvest.
 
They harvest all three species found there - B. sinistrum, carica, and
caniculatum.
The average harvest each year from Georgia waters over the past 14 years was
1.18
million pounds, including shell weight, making Georgia the nations number 1
producer of whelks (Busycon).
 
Although some of the processed whelks are sold and consumed in Georgia, the
bulk of the catch is sold to northeastern markets where it ultimately goes
to
seafood markets and resturants.
 
Over the years we have published several articles in our newsletter relating
to this fishery.  We have also investigated as to where the shells resulting
from this fishery ultimately end up.
 
Bill Frank
1865 Debutante Dr.
Jacksonville, FL 32246-8645
Phone/FAX: (904) 724-5326
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Visit the Jacksonville Shell Club Home Page at:
http://home.sprynet.com/sprynet/wfrank/jacksonv.htm
 
-----Original Message-----
From: mark <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Tuesday, October 20, 1998 8:59 AM
Subject: what are these used for ???
 
 
>Good morning all.
>While watching a PBS program on southern light houses  they briefly
>staggered thru a section on shrimpers who were legally harvesting "conchs"
>(busycon kieneri or caurica couldn't tell tho as they were very encrusted)
>using shrimp trawling equipment. the question is , what are these whelks
>used for , I've smelled the fumes from the boil pot when cleaning these
>shells and on a scale of 1-10 , 10 being delicious and 1 being army food
>(slightly above airline cuisine) these whelks were maybe a 2. Are they
being
>harvested for the overseas market? any suggestions would help , Mark & Peta
>Bethke
>Hollywood, Florida