Progress report on development of a management plan for the St. Kitts/Nevis Spiny Lobster Fishery

Goodwin, M; Heyliger, S; Wilkins, R

I. Summary A. The general biology and ecology of the spiny lobster P. argus are reviewed. Coral reefs and seagrass beds are important habitats for juvenile and adult spiny lobsters. First-year juveniles are probably limited by the availability of suitable habitat. This suggests that it may be possible to increase the size of lobster populations through the use of artificial shelters. Preliminary studies by the Fisheries Division indicate that this technique has promise for St. Kitts. B. During the past three years, the Fisheries Division has obtained measurements on more than 2500 lobsters in local landings and in the wild. This information has been used to provide estimates of growth rate, as well as indications of minimum reproductive size and reproductive potential of various size classes. Spiny lobsters in St. Kitts/Nevis reach minimum legal size (95 mm carapace length) about 34 months after the end of the larval stage. The average carapace length of reproductively active female lobsters is 106 mm. Lobsters with carapace lengths ranging from 105 to 120 mm make the greatest contribution to the population in terms of reproductive potential. C. Information on local catches does not permit accurate prediction of sustainable yield at this time. Provisional analyses of growth data have been completed. D. Purchases of spiny lobster by four local consumers during 1985 were more than half the total exports from St. Kitts/Nevis during the peak year of 1976. The annual value of the spiny lobster fishery is conservatively estimated to be at least half a million dollars. E. Both local and export demand for spiny lobster are expected to continue to increase. Measures are urgently needed which will stabilize the current harvest at a sustainable level, provide the maximum yield from the spiny lobster stock, and establish the optimum exploitation strategy for St. Kitts/Nevis spiny lobster resources. F. Recommended actions are: 1. Implementation of fishery regulations now in draft 2. A moratorium on activities which would increase the present harvest of spiny lobster, particularly commercial ventures involving spiny lobster export 3. Improved export and fishing licensing procedures to provide better information to the Fisheries Division 4. Prohibition of any activity which would damage shallow coral areas or seagrass beds G. Proposed Fisheries Division activities related to the spiny lobster fishery are described.