Translocation of WildTrochus niloticus: Prospects for Enhancing Depleted Philippine Reefs

Translocation of wild Trochus niloticus gastropods demonstrates promise for enhancing depleted reef populations, with individuals growing 2–3 times faster at severely overexploited mainland Palawan reefs compared to pristine Tubbataha Reefs. A study tracking 1,251 individuals across three sites found high survival rates (0.77–0.92) over 5–9 months, suggesting that translocation is a viable strategy for species with short-lived planktonic larvae. The research indicates that previously inhabited sites remain suitable for growth and survival if overfishing is controlled, offering a potential tool for marine invertebrate conservation in the Philippines.

Dolorosa, R. G., Grant, A., & Gill, J. A. (2013). Translocation of WildTrochus niloticus: Prospects for Enhancing Depleted Philippine Reefs. Reviews in Fisheries Science, 21(3-4), 403–413. https://doi.org/10.1080/10641262.2013.800773