Key West Conch Connection: Where Food Meets Legacy

Freshwater Conch, Saltwater Conch, Conch Republic, Conch pride…

Conch salad, conch fritters, conch ceviche, conch chowder…

Now if you’re not a Florida Keys local or a frequent visitor, you might be wondering, “What on earth does all that mean, what’s the big deal about conch, and what in the world is a conch anyway?!”…

Clearly, there’s something quite significant about the subject here in the Keys, and we’re more than proud to share with everyone just what that is!

But first off, we’ll begin by clarifying the word itself.  Pronounced “konk”, the word conch translates to “shellfish” or “spiral shell” and refers to species of tropical marine mollusks that have a brightly-colored spiral shell with a large outer lip. There are more than 60 different species of these saltwater creatures found in oceans all around the world.

Here in the Florida Keys, our waters are home to the magnificent “Queen Conch” herself. This Royal Highness is also a native to the waters of the Caribbean, The Bahamas, and Bermuda. Addressed as feminine royalty, Your Majesty includes both male and female genders and is the world’s largest molluscan gastropod, thus earning the title of “Queen”. Her scientific name, Strombus Gigas translates to “giant spiral shell”, and she lives up to it-growing up to a whopping 12 inches and 5 lbs!

Though this Queen doesn’t have an official palace, she is heavily guarded. The Queen Conch has long been sought after for her meat and is one of the most valuable species in the Caribbean. She’s been a staple in the Caribbean diet for thousands of years and has been harvested and commercially traded for hundreds.

Her shell has also proven valuable, being used for a variety of things like cooking utensils and pots, tools, and protection devices, and is often made into jewelry and decoration. Her shell is even known to be played as a horn and a musical instrument.

However, due to overutilization, conservation efforts for the Queen Conch have been underway since the 1970s, which eventually led to the banning of commercial and recreational harvesting of the species in Federal waters. She is now protected under the Endangered Species Act as a threatened species in the state of Florida.

Given her protected status, it may cause a bit of confusion when seeing delicacies such as “conch chowder”, “conch fritters”, and “conch ceviche” on restaurant menus, and then see the shells available for purchase in nearly every gift shop throughout the Florida Keys. But rest assured, the conch meat being served, along with the shells being sold these days, are not that of the beloved Queen of the Keys, but imported from fisheries and sources elsewhere with abundant supplies.

Now while the Queen Conch doesn’t actually have a crown, she does boast impressive spiny protrusions across her outer shell. She is also distinguished by and prized for her vibrant pink inner shell.

If you’ve ever been to the Florida Keys, you’ve probably noticed her stunning shell depicted on just about everything, from flags to business signs, just about everywhere you look. This shell is a symbol that carries pride and dignity.

Since we’ve revealed that “Queen Conch” refers to a marine species scooting along the ocean floor, you’d be inclined to assume the terms “Freshwater Conch” and “Saltwater Conch” denote the bodies of water you’d find them. But, you’d be wrong. Taking great pride in being born and raised in the Florida Keys, locals have affectionately referred to themselves as “Conchs” for many generations! 

Island folklore has it that this endearing title originates from an old tradition of placing a conch shell outside of a home after the birth of a child, signaling that the baby has been born, creating the association between locals and conchs. However, it is also said that this reference was brought over from The Bahamas, with Bahamian immigrants carrying the label earned through their hard work and dedication to the conch industry and lifestyle.

Regardless of the origins, being referred to as a “Conch” has come to carry high honors and bragging rights to those who hold the title. We take our conch pride so seriously that it even goes one step further. “Saltwater Conch” is an honorable birthright title for those who were born in the Florida Keys, while those who have made the grand choice to relocate here (and have maintained the commitment for at least seven years) receive the well-deserved title of “Freshwater Conch”.

Clearly, there’s no shortage of Conch Pride down here in the Keys. And as a matter of fact, our very own Key West High School beams with it boasting the magnificent Queen Conch as their mascot, and touting the motto “Conch P.R.I.D.E.” which represents Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Dedication, and Excellence!

Photo: State Library and Archives of Florida

Speaking of mottos, the Florida Keys, aka the “Conch Republic”, also has its own motto which states “We seceded where others failed”. And yes, you read that right... 

Founded on April 23, 1982, the Conch Republic was born when then-mayor Dennis Wardlow declared the secession of the Florida Keys from the United States. It all started when the U.S. Federal Government placed a Border Patrol Roadblock at a saloon in Florida City, stopping all vehicles coming in and out of the Keys to search them for illegal drugs and immigrants. The roadblock quickly led to intense traffic jams, affecting tourism within the Keys island chain. The act also made island locals feel alienated from their own country. Attempts were made in court by community leaders to have the roadblock removed but to no avail.

Then on April 23, 1982, the Conch Republic flag was raised over the city hall, and “The Great Battle of the Conch Republic” ensued. 

The story goes that the Schooner Western Union was sent into the harbor to “attack” a US Coast Guard Cutter with water balloons, conch fritters, and stale Cuban bread, and the cutter fought back with fire hoses. Shortly after the battle commenced, Mayor Wardlow surrendered, demanding $1 billion in foreign aid from the U.S., and the roadblock was promptly removed. The Florida Keys has since remained a member of the United States but has yet to receive any of the requested aid.

Today the Conch Republic stands as a sovereign state of mind and holds annual celebrations to commemorate its rebellion and reunion with its beloved country. Known as “Conch Republic Days”, festivities include the raising of the colors, a conch shell horn-blowing salute and contest, drag races, pirate sails, costume balls, conch crawls, parades, and of course, a battle reenactment. There’s even a Freshwater Conch inauguration!

Photo: ConchRepublic.com

Again, we take our Conch Pride very seriously here in the Florida Keys. We are devoted to our Conch Republic state of mind and we are dedicated to bringing humor, peace, and respect to the world!

So no matter if you’re a Saltwater Conch, a Freshwater Conch, a recently-transplanted local, a frequent or first-time visitor to the Keys, or a far-off member of our One Human Family, we salute you and proudly invite you to join our Conch Republic state of mind!

P.S. Wishing a very happy Mother's Day to all the mamas in the Conch Republic and beyond. We’re celebrating the fabulous moms here at The Green Pineapple. We are grateful to you!