I would be interested in what material you have from the Strombus gigas
hatchery in Key West (Long Key near Marathon) which states that
Strombus gigas is doing so well.  According to Bob Glazer project director
at the Federal Marine Research Institute (whose extensive file I have here)
that isn't the case at all  (See American Conchologist Volume 26 (1), page
14).  As one who has lived in the keys for a number of years, I don't
dispute the successful comeback of the species (downstream veligers are
always contributory).
 
I also realize that Mr. Glazer has a vested interest in keeping the success
rate low ($$$$).
 
Please free to Email me your information.
 
Thanks!
 
Bill Frank
1865 Debutante Dr.
Jacksonville, FL 32246-8645
Phone/FAX: (904) 724-5326
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>
>When in the Bahamas, especially around Nassau, you'll see the piles
>everywhere and all through the cities ( even here in Miami) the meat is
>all too available and under $6.00 US a pound.  When you snorkle in the
>right places you'll see they are coming back nicely around southern
>florida. A recent report from a Strombus gigas hatchery in Key West
>states that the population is doing so well that they may be off the
>endangered list in the US anyway in a few years.  They release the
>"rollers" at about 4mm length and tag many of them.  All the scientists
>were very excited. I personally was a little concerned while snorkeling
>around Key West this last weekend we saw so many dead and fresh dead
>Strombus species, especially gigas but we felt better after we began to
>see many live ones going about their business.  Nice place to go and
>some good locals to take you around.