For the past five years, Dr. Dalila Aldana, Chief Researcher of the Center for Research and Advanced Studies of Mérida, Yucatan (CINVESTAV-Mérida) has carried out many studies about Pink Conch, under the sponsorship of Xel-Há.
This study consists mainly of monitoring Pink Conch in Xel-Há, marking the organisms, checking their size, weight and registering them. During the first three years, this was done every month, and since 2005, it has been done every two months.
This project has yielded important information on this species (growth, reproduction, etc) and this information has been published in different places, both in Mexico and abroad.
In addition, this research has given opportunity to create pedagogical material, used in recreational workshops for children and teachers of the elementary schools in Quintana Roo.
As a result of the need to know more about the stages of growth of Pink Conch, they designed an experiment of “seed” cultivation, in which they applied several fattening and growth diets.
This research is a contribution to the handling and conservation of Pink Conch (Strombus Gigas) in the Caribbean.
Once the conchs were ready to be released in their natural habitat Lic. Elizabeth Lugo, General Manager of Xel-Há Park, welcomed the audience in the Aquatic Institute room, and invited them to learn more about this program. Dr. Dalila Aldana made a special presentation for that purpose.
Afterwards, they invited the audience to release 200 pink conchs in the main inlet of the park, close to the floating bridge. Some of the participants we can mention are Mrs. Narcedalia Martín de González and Mrs. Gabriela Rejón de Joaquín, State and City First Social Workers; Dr. Dalila Aldana (Chief Researcher), Ms. Ana Lilia Córdova and Biologist Ricardo Saenz (Coordinator and Manager of Sustainable Development of Xel-Há), children from the community of Chemuyil and other guests.
Each person who had the opportunity to release this wonderful species wrote down the number of the conch and gave it a name, for future identification. According to the First Ladies, it was an unforgettable experience.
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