Abstract

Estimates of growth and mortality parameters for the spiny lobster Panulirus argus were estimated from length frequency data collected from Puerto Rico commercial biostatistical program from 1999 through 2000 using the FISAT software package. The corresponding values of L8, for female spiny lobsters using ELEFANI ranged from 185 to 191 mm CL, and K values were 0.23 to 0.25. For males the L8 values ranged from 195 to 197 mm CL, and K value was estimated at 0.24 for both years. The length-converted catch curve total mortality Z estimates ranged from 1.32 to 1.35 for males and from 1.25 to 1.85 for females. The Z estimated from Jones length cohort analysis ranged from 1.01 to 1.02 for males and from 1.05 to 1.11 for females. Average exploitation ratios from the two different methods were well above the optimum exploitation rate (E = 0.5) suggesting overfishing. The Beverton relative yield per recruit model analysis for 2000 for males and females implies the Puerto Rico lobster fishery is operating very close to its Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) level and that no further increase in fishing effort is advisable.

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