Abstract

This study aimed to identify the fishing patterns of the spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) at the Yucatan peninsula given the use of different fishing gears and fishing methods in the area. Fishing patterns are compared based on catch rates, costs, and benefits obtained by two types of fleet that target lobster. Information was collected in the field at the landing ports and from the logbooks of fishing cooperatives. At Progreso Yucatan, the fleet that catches lobster is mainly industrial, at Isla Mujes (in the Caribbean Sea) and Rio Lagartos (Yucatan) fleet is artisanal. In the first port, traps and hookah are employed, in the second several methods and gears are used, while in the last one only hookah operates. Despite similar gears are used in all fishing ports, differences in the fishing patterns are observed. In the last fishing seasons a decrease in catches in the Caribbean is evident coupled with an increase in Yucatan landings. Catch trends match fishing effort trends and show the effect of the fishing methods used. During the fishing season 2005-2006, Río Lagartos reached the highest catches and cuasi-rent, followed by Progreso and the lowest corresponds to Isla Mujeres. However, CPUE in Río Lagartos was the lowest (4.91 kg/day) and Progreso reported the highest (13.42 kg/day). Results are discussed around the factors that could impact catch patterns of lobster in each port and management implications.

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