WILLEMSTAD – In recent weeks, farmed Queen Conches have been released in Curaçao and Bonaire. This endangered marine snail, also known as the Queen Conch (Lobatus gigas), plays a vital role in the coral reef ecosystem. Following these developments, Lionfish Caribbean is organizing a lecture on Thursday, August 28, as part of the monthly series Nature at the Village. Guest speaker Michel van Nierop will take the audience through the history of conch projects on Curaçao and Bonaire – from the hatchery efforts of Marcultura on Bonaire in the 1980s to the most recent initiatives. 

The Queen Conch is not only an icon of the Caribbean Sea, but also essential for maintaining healthy reefs. During the lecture, we will hear directly from project initiator Van Nierop about the lessons learned from past projects and the opportunities for the future. In addition, Lutson Lucas, representing local fishing cooperatives, will be present for questions and an open dialogue about the meaning of the conch for fishermen and the wider community. 

The lecture takes place from 6:30 to 7:30 PM at Lionfish Caribbean in Kura Hulanda Village, Otrobanda. Admission is free, but reservations are recommended due to limited capacity. Reservations can easily be made online via www.lionfishworkshops.as.me or by WhatsApp at +599 9 673 0609.