SFCN Spiny Lobster Monitoring Standard Operating Procedure SL04: Lobster Data Collection and Survey Methods—Version 1.1
South Florida/Caribbean Network. 2020. SFCN Spiny Lobster Monitoring Standard Operating Procedure SL04: Lobster Data Collection and Survey Methods—Version 1.1. National Park Service
This standard operating procedure (SOP) describes the procedures for performing spiny lobster surveys. A minimum of two divers and one captain are needed to complete each survey. At each location, one set of paired 7.5 meter (24.6 ft) radius circular plots are completed. In each survey, every spiny lobster encountered is recorded and size estimated prior to any attempt at capture. Spotted lobsters are included in the survey and sizes are estimated, but there is no attempt at capture or recording of demographic information. Once visual estimates are obtained, each spiny lobster encountered is captured (if possible), carapace length measured, biological condition (sex, molt condition, presence of eggs, and presence of spermatophore) is recorded, and the lobster is then released. Photos are taken of the eggs and spermatophore if they are present. A brief habitat assessment is also completed for each plot, along with four photos that display the sampled location. These surveys are used to determine average size, assess demographics, and track relative indices of density and frequency of occurrence.
- Type
- Standard Operating Procedure
- Authors
- South Florida/Caribbean Network
- Date of Issue
- 2020
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- Units
- BISC , BUIS , DRTO , SARI , SFCN , VIIS
- Keywords
- Caribbean spiny lobster, crustacean, lobster, lobster protocol, lobster SOP, lobster Standard Operating Procedures, spiny lobster
- Subjects
- Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Focal Species or Communities | Marine Invertebrates