Discrepancies in reports of shoe snail populations raise concerns

Author: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang

Koror, Palau – Latest report from the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC)
This indicates a significant decline in the population of Semum, which may
However, a conflicting report from the Marine Bureau
Resources (BMR) complicate the situation and the reasons for the discrepancies are unclear.
According to a press release issued by PICRC, which is working with the Ministry of Agriculture,
A survey conducted by the Ministry of Fisheries and Environment (MAFE) from December to March 2023
In 2024, the number of horseshoe snails has been declining at 57 monitoring sites from Kayangol to Peleliu Island.
According to reports, the number of horseshoe snails increased from 1 million to 4 million between 2016 and 2019
Per hectare, the size of the horseshoe snails showed a significant increase – up 38%.
The increase was 72% in the reef crest area. In addition, the percentage of mature horse mackerel
It rose from 57% in 2016 to 83% in 2019.
However, PICRC said that things have changed since 2019. The center now
It is recommended that only 600 snails be harvested per hectare to maintain
sustainable population, noting that the current population is too unstable to support an open
“Reopening the harvest season could severely harm the snail population,”
PICRC said.
In contrast, a 2020 report by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment cited
The House bill, which passed second reading last December, claims that the population of horse mackerel has
has been increasing since 2016. The bill aims to allow the re-export of horse mackerel and states
The commercial value of trochus and the legal provisions cited enable the president to
Declared a limited open season for the harvest of horse mackerel.
Conflicting reports between PICRC and BMR raise concerns about the true situation in Palau
The Island Times was unable to obtain comment from the Ocean Service.
Resources on the matter.
Many people in the community eagerly await the calla lily harvest season because
potential additional source of income. However, uncertainty surrounding the population of horse snails
Questions have been raised about the sustainability of this decision.

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