Size and reproductive status of fished spotted spiny lobster,Panulirus guttatus, in Morrocoy National Park, Venezuela: a preliminary report

Abstract

The Venezuelan lobster-management plan is based on information collected from the Panulirus argus fishery in Los Roques Archipelago National Park. Panulirus guttatus are harvested illegally, as this species does not reach the minimum landing size (120 mm carapace length; CL). Fishers consider enforcement of a 120 mm minimum CL unjust and request a new regulation. The purpose of this study was to determine the basic population characteristics of P. guttatus at the Morrocoy National Park, to provide information for managers, and to establish a population monitoring program. Interviews with fishers were conducted from September to December 1999, and their catch was counted, measured, and sexed. Of the 163 lobsters surveyed, 93.3% wereP. guttatus, 6.1% P. argus, and 0.6% P. laevicauda. The size range for P. guttatus was 42.1 to 75.6 mm CL (average: 60.9 6.9 mm CL). Sex ratio favoured males (1.45:1), and 48.4% of the 62 females examined bore eggs. The smallest reproductive female measured 42.1 mm CL; the largest measured 67.7 mm CL. Fishing is carried out in shallow waters of the outer reefs; lobsters are harvested by hand during nocturnal skin diving.