Queen Conch, Key West, Florida.

Output of lobster and conch increased significantly when compared with production in l99l. 6

Meanwhile, catch rates had increased by some 65 per cent in the lobster fishery and by 20 per cent in the conch fishery.

2. The economy of the Turks and Caicos Islands continues to be based on tourism, property development, the export of conch and lobster, and government expenditure.

The substantial growth in the overall output of this sector may be attributed to a significant improvement in the fishing of lobster and conch during 1992. 4

The processing and export of conch and lobster provided virtually all of the visible export earnings of the Turks and Caicos Islands, and the businesses involved are owned by both United States and local interests.

33. In support of efforts by the Marine Department to manage the lobster and conch resources, a project research programme had been instituted and expanded. This had involved continued infrastructure development, including the construction of an aquarium and laboratory facility on South Caicos.