{
 "culture": "en-BS",
 "name": "Andros_Conch_Beds_2010",
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 "snippet": "Location and Characterization Queen conch (strombus gigas), known for its deep pink shell, is a large gastropod mollusk which can reach 12 inches in size. Queen conch primarily inhabit shallow sand and sea grass habitat and feed on dead or detrital remains of sea grasses, sea grass epiphytes, and macroalgae (Hensen 1984). Most of the breeding adults live in deeper (10-30 m depth) hard-bottom and sandy habitats along the Eastern shelf edge off Andros Island. It is here that the eggs are laid, which eventually hatch into larval forms. The spawning season typically occurs during warmer months, but can occur all year round in some locations. The larvae progress through various stages while drifting with the currents. They transform and settle in a mixed seagrass and sand habitat, usually 18-26 days after hatching (Stoner et al.1992). Most conch nurseries are located in areas with an intermediate density of seagrass and in depths of 2-4 in. (Stoner and Waite 1990).The largest, most productive nurseries for queen conch are located in areas with significant tidal circulation, shallow depth, moderate seagrass coverage, and high algal productivity (Iversen et al. 1987; Stoner &Ray 1993). In Andros these areas can be found in the bights and other areas receiving strong tidal currents, where they can be flushed with clear oceanic water on every tide. Importance Queen conch are both culturally and economically important in the Bahamas. Conch supports both commerical and subsistence fisheries, by providing a nutritious and cheap food source. They are also collected for their beautiful pinkish shells which are sold as souvenirs. Due to the decline of Queen conch populations throughout the Caribbean, it is now listed on Appendix II of Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES). Appendix II lists species that are not threatened presently with extinction, but may become threatened unless trade of such species is subjected to strict regulations. This protection, however, is limited to conch shells. Conch meat ",
 "description": "",
 "summary": "Location and Characterization Queen conch (strombus gigas), known for its deep pink shell, is a large gastropod mollusk which can reach 12 inches in size. Queen conch primarily inhabit shallow sand and sea grass habitat and feed on dead or detrital remains of sea grasses, sea grass epiphytes, and macroalgae (Hensen 1984). Most of the breeding adults live in deeper (10-30 m depth) hard-bottom and sandy habitats along the Eastern shelf edge off Andros Island. It is here that the eggs are laid, which eventually hatch into larval forms. The spawning season typically occurs during warmer months, but can occur all year round in some locations. The larvae progress through various stages while drifting with the currents. They transform and settle in a mixed seagrass and sand habitat, usually 18-26 days after hatching (Stoner et al.1992). Most conch nurseries are located in areas with an intermediate density of seagrass and in depths of 2-4 in. (Stoner and Waite 1990).The largest, most productive nurseries for queen conch are located in areas with significant tidal circulation, shallow depth, moderate seagrass coverage, and high algal productivity (Iversen et al. 1987; Stoner &Ray 1993). In Andros these areas can be found in the bights and other areas receiving strong tidal currents, where they can be flushed with clear oceanic water on every tide. Importance Queen conch are both culturally and economically important in the Bahamas. Conch supports both commerical and subsistence fisheries, by providing a nutritious and cheap food source. They are also collected for their beautiful pinkish shells which are sold as souvenirs. Due to the decline of Queen conch populations throughout the Caribbean, it is now listed on Appendix II of Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES). Appendix II lists species that are not threatened presently with extinction, but may become threatened unless trade of such species is subjected to strict regulations. This protection, however, is limited to conch shells. Conch meat ",
 "title": "Andros Conch Beds 2010",
 "tags": [
  "Andros",
  "Queen Conch",
  "Andros Conservation Action Plan (CAP)",
  "Natural Capital Project (NatCap)",
  "IDB",
  "The Bahamas Project"
 ],
 "type": "Map Service",
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  "Service",
  "Map Service",
  "ArcGIS Server"
 ],
 "thumbnail": "thumbnail/thumbnail.png",
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 "spatialReference": "WGS_1984_UTM_Zone_18N",
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