Variability in recruitment of multiple life stages of the Caribbean spiny lobster, Panulirus argus, in the Gulf of Batabanó, Cuba

Abstract

Caribbean lobsters Panulirus argus support a large commercial fishery that is one of the most important at world level. The biggest theoretical and practical problem for management of the fishery is the great variation and uncertainty in recruitment. We synthesize the results of 10 years’ study of the abundance variability of the complex life-cycle stages of spiny lobsters in the Gulf of Batabanó. A total of 38 109 pueruli and postpueruli (1988–1996) were caught with artificial seaweed collectors, 21 047 juveniles (1982–1994) in concrete-block shelters, and 69 979 adults (1985–1990) in Cuban pesqueros (artificial shelters). Field studies have increased our understanding of pelagic puerulus and immature benthic-phase development and behaviour, and the recruitment variability strategies. The analysis of relative abundance in the earliest stages allows us to define the recruitment patterns and tendencies, to predict recruitment, and to establish their relationship with adults and the fishery. Recruitment overfishing, hurricane phenomenon, and other environmental events may be responsible for the recruitment decline since 1988. This research will provide more data to assist in improving the management of this valuable resource.