For a while now, those snorkeling in the lagoon outside Punta Gruesa have been finding strange and wonderful things, including the mysterious white object that has been the topic of discussion for some time. Many speculations were made as to what it was…algae? Plant? It was decided it was an egg sac for a creature found in the shallows behind the reef. However, then discussions turned to which animal may have been responsible for the egg sacs. Guess work pointed to the ray family, due to the size of the thing (approximately 25cm in length) and this was accepted until further research was done and the real culprit was established.
Anyone with an interest in fisheries and which marine animals are under threat will have heard of the conch, a relative of the whelk and the producer of the mystery object. They are exploited for meat and for their shells that are used to create jewellery or just as decoration. The meat is a delicacy in Mexico and many other regions, used in soup or ceviche, and the shells are very beautiful and a cost effective item to use for tourism. Due to their lack of mobility, they are an easy target for any fishery, and are subsequently becoming a rare sight. Therefore, finding these egg sacs in our lagoon is a very positive find. Though they are still endangered here, they are also breeding which is a sign of hope. Along with some education of the locals and respect for the permanent ban that has been established, they may have a chance to recover from the endangered list.
Mystery Solved
For a while now, those snorkeling in the lagoon outside Punta Gruesa have been finding strange and wonderful things, including the mysterious white object that has been the topic of discussion for some time. Many speculations were made as to what it was…algae? Plant? It was decided it was an egg sac for a creature found in the shallows behind the reef. However, then discussions turned to which animal may have been responsible for the egg sacs. Guess work pointed to the ray family, due to the size of the thing (approximately 25cm in length) and this was accepted until further research was done and the real culprit was established.
Anyone with an interest in fisheries and which marine animals are under threat will have heard of the conch, a relative of the whelk and the producer of the mystery object. They are exploited for meat and for their shells that are used to create jewellery or just as decoration. The meat is a delicacy in Mexico and many other regions, used in soup or ceviche, and the shells are very beautiful and a cost effective item to use for tourism. Due to their lack of mobility, they are an easy target for any fishery, and are subsequently becoming a rare sight. Therefore, finding these egg sacs in our lagoon is a very positive find. Though they are still endangered here, they are also breeding which is a sign of hope. Along with some education of the locals and respect for the permanent ban that has been established, they may have a chance to recover from the endangered list.
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