As we've been reporting, the conch season is closing two months early. The decision was taken because the co-ops have filled their quotas.
But, try telling that to the conch fisherman. Right now, they say, conch is plentiful - and money isn't.
They say that the early closure of the season will mean no big back pay, or second payment - and that means they'll be left out in the cold.
As we understand it, when there's a bumper crop of conch, the Co-op earns more from its international buyers, but that was in the era before quotas.
And now, two fishermen we spoke to say that a top-heavy administration at their Co-op - and the shortened season translates into major losses for them.
Here's what they told us today:..
Jaime Vivas, Northern Fisherman Co-Op
"To me I think it's a way that they use me because if they are going to close off the season on the 23rd right here; why can't they give us our second payment so that we can move on; so that we can depend on that at least for a month and a half."
"We know that Northern Fisherman Cooperative has already reached their quota, which is a limit, but all we are asking them - to give the members their second payment so that they can live from this month up to the next season."
Cipriano Flores, Northern Fisherman Co-Op
"In the month of May, the conch is plentiful. Today 4 fishermen brought 800 pounds of conchs."
Jaime Vivas, Northern Fisherman Co-Op
"I could have brought 800 pounds."
Jules Vasquez
"How much is that? How much can you sell that for to the Coop."
Jaime Vivas, Northern Fisherman Co-Op
"About $4,000 for the month."
Jules Vasquez
"There are not as much fish, conch or lobster as when you first started fishing."
Cipriano Flores, Northern Fisherman Co-Op
"Yes, but you know what happened. I will tell you, they say conservation but there is no preservation. We need more fishermen for support to protest because the executives and the secretaries are working for their salaries. We want to do a demonstration to the government."
"When we are fighting they will be in their offices. We need people that want to work. We don't need people who sit down and don't do anything. They don't produce, they only collect. They are like vampire; only suck blood."
"At the end of the day, they are in their big houses. They tell us low price and we have to dance to that."
The co-op buys conch from fishermen at six dollars a pound.
The conch season closes in six days - two months early.
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