Dive with Purpose: Partnering with Shedd Aquarium for Queen Conch Research in Key Largo
Ocean First Aug 07, 2026
Underneath the clear waters of the Florida Keys, a critical marine conservation effort is underway—and certified scuba divers can take part in the action.
Ocean First Key Largo is excited to partner with Shedd Aquarium on a vital research project monitoring Florida’s iconic queen conch 
(Aliger gigas) populations. Through population assessment surveys across Key Largo, our dive team, scientific researchers, and volunteer citizen scientists gather essential data on conch density, shell thickness, and habitat distribution.
Whether you are a local diver, a visiting ocean enthusiast, or someone passionate about marine ecology, here is what makes this research vital, what recent scientific studies reveal, and how you can join our next conservation dive.
Fun fact: conch is pronounced “konk”
Why Florida’s Queen Conch Need Conservation Efforts
With their iconic spiral shells and distinct stalked eyes, queen conch are more than a symbol of the Florida Keys—they are an essential keystone species. As large marine herbivores, queen conch graze on microalgae and detritus, helping keep seagrass beds and coral reef ecosystems balanced and healthy.
Despite their ecological importance, queen conch populations in Florida and the wider Caribbean have declined over past decades due to historical overharvesting, coastal development, and ocean changes. In response to these challenges, queen conch were officially listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
To help local populations recover, marine scientists require accurate, up-to-date field data to determine where adult breeding aggregations reside, track population recovery rates, and assess where juvenile conch settle.
The Science: How Marine Protected Areas Replenish Conch Populations
Our collaborative field surveys build on extensive research led by Shedd Aquarium research biologist Dr. Andy Kough. By combining SCUBA population surveys, movement tracking technology, and oceanographic larval transport modeling, scientists are uncovering how targeted protection helps marine life flourish.
Key insights from recent research include:
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Replenishing Surrounding Reefs: A study published by Shedd Aquarium demonstrated that queen conch populations in marine reserves actively replenish populations beyond reserve borders. When adult breeding aggregations are protected, ocean currents carry their larvae downstream to repopulate fished waters.
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Tracking Growth and Age: Researchers measure shell thickness during field surveys. Because queen conch shells grow thicker rather than wider as they mature, this data provides an accurate benchmark for estimating the age structure of Key Largo’s populations.
To explore the science behind this partnership, read more about Shedd Aquarium’s work protecting threatened queen conch.
Citizen Science Diving: Turn Your Dive into Active Marine Research
One of the most rewarding aspects of this initiative is the opportunity for recreational divers to contribute to real marine science in Key Largo.
Certified divers can join select queen conch survey trips with Ocean First Key Largo. Working alongside survey leaders, you will help conduct underwater transects, locate conch, and record scientific measurements on the ocean floor—turning a standard dive into a meaningful contribution toward Florida Keys conservation.
Respecting Wildlife: Non-Contact Diving Best Practices
While survey trips involve permitted handling under expert supervision, practicing non-contact diving habits is essential on every recreational dive.
Diver Safety & Etiquette Note: Always maintain good buoyancy control and observe marine life from a respectful distance. Never touch, move, or collect wild marine species—including queen conch—unless you are actively participating in a permitted, supervised scientific survey under professional instruction.
How to Join a Queen Conch Survey Trip in Key Largo
Ready to dive with a purpose? Here is how to get started:
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Check Survey Trip Schedules: Contact Ocean First Key Largo or visit our dive shop to see upcoming conch survey charter dates.
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Confirm Prerequisites: Participants must hold an active Open Water Diver certification (or higher) and demonstrate good buoyancy skills to ensure low-impact diving around sensitive seafloor habitats.
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Register Your Spot: Space on research charters is limited to ensure accurate survey data collection and dive safety.
Book Your Key Largo Citizen Science Survey Dive Today
This research is conducted in collaboration with Shedd Aquarium, led by Dr. Andy Kough, under approved permits [FKNMS-2026-147, FKNMS-2023-059, SAL-26-2627-SRP].
