Spread of the Green Snail in French Polynesia & Fishery Management

Spread of the green snail Turbo marmoratus in French Polynesia

[2014]

This article on the spread of the green snail in French Polynesia published in Ocean & Coastal Management was a result of research conducted by Living Oceans Foundation Chief Scientist Andrew Bruckner and Coral Reef Ecologist Alexandra Demspey with other mission team members during the Global Reef Expedition missions to French Polynesia.

This article on the spread of the green snail in French Polynesia published in Ocean & Coastal Management was a result of research conducted by Living Oceans Foundation Chief Scientist Andrew Bruckner and Coral Reef Ecologist Alexandra Dempsey with other mission team members Serge Andrefouet, Laureline Chabran, and Joseph Campanozzi-Tarahu during the Global Reef Expedition missions to French Polynesia.

Spread of the green snail Turbo marmoratus in French Polynesia 45 years after its introduction and implications for fishery management

Ocean & Coastal Management 96: 42-50
June 2, 2014
By Andrew Bruckner, Alexandra Dempsey, Serge Andrefouet, Laureline Chabran, and Joseph Campanozzi-Tarahu

Highlights
• Green snails were introduced 45 years ago in French Polynesia.
• Status of green snail population in 23 islands is updated.
• Population did not settle in Tuamotu, only in Society Archipelago.
• Abundance in Society justifies ospening fishery.

Abstract
In 1967, 42 specimens of the green gastropod snail Turbo marmoratus (Linnaeus 1758) from Vanuatu were introduced in one single Tahiti reef, in French Polynesia. The population has been since protected to maximize its chance of spreading, to eventually provide an additional resource for local fishermen. After 45 years of natural dispersal and controlled transfers throughout Society, Tuamotu and Gambier Archipelago, we investigated the population status on 23 different islands and atolls. T. marmoratus failed to colonize Tuamotu and Gambier archipelagos, and Society western atolls. Conversely, it successfully established on the forereefs of all other Society islands and atolls. Densities were the highest on the windward side of Raiatea-Tahaa Islands, with up to 180 individuals per hectare. The observed densities and preliminary extrapolated stock for these two islands justify the rotational opening of the fishery, although additional local investigations on the biology of the species would be useful. The influence of this alien species on the ecology of local reefs remains unknown…

Ten Years of B.A.M.: Rooted in Partnership, Growing in Purpose

Ten years ago, the Bahamas Awareness of Mangroves (B.A.M.) program began with a simple but meaningful commitment: to connect Bahamian students with the mangrove ecosystems that shape and protect their island home.

Since 2015, B.A.M. has been implemented in partnership with Friends of the Environment, whose dedication to environmental stewardship in Abaco has made this program possible year after year. Together, we have worked alongside Patrick J. Bethel High School and Forest Heights Academy to bring hands-on mangrove science into classrooms and out into the field.

What makes ten years remarkable is not just longevity — it is consistency…

From Mangrove Mud to Meaningful Work: Desta’s J.A.M.I.N. Journey

Some students I remember for their grades, their quick answers, or a moment that made the whole class laugh. Others I remember for the way they stepped into the mangroves.

Desta was the kind of student who thrived outdoors. While some students hesitated at the edge of the mud, he walked right in. And when he inevitably got stuck — because everyone does — he didn’t get frustrated. He laughed. Covered in mud, holding mangrove propagules in his hands, he embraced the experience fully.

Even then, it was clear that he was connecting with the environment in a way that went beyond the lesson plan…

Spread of the green snail Turbo marmoratus in French Polynesia 45 years after its introduction and implications for fishery management

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Ten Years of B.A.M.: Rooted in Partnership, Growing in Purpose

From Mangrove Mud to Meaningful Work: Desta’s J.A.M.I.N. Journey