The Queen Conch species, which was originally known as Strombus gigas, is now classified scientifically as Lobatus gigas.
Belize has put Regulations in place to protect the Queen conch population within the waters of Belize. An Open and close season for harvesting was established to protect the species high peak breeding months. Belize’s harvesting season (Open Season) for Queen conch is from October 1st to June 30th of the following year. While the close of the harvesting Season for conch is for three months: July 1st – September 30th . Regulations were also put in place to protect the young recruits, with harvesting size and weight limits for the Queen conch species. The harvesting size for conch in shell should exceed 7 inches in length, while for the weight of the individual conch without its shell, it should exceed 3 ounces, as market clean, and exceed 2.75 ounces when fillet.