Abstract

Caribbean spiny lobster, Panulirus argus, is a common member of the Caribbean reef community and forms the basis for one of the most important fisheries in the area. The United States (U.S.) receives over 90 percent of the exports from central and South American countries and spiny lobster is considered an important product for major dealers and distributors. In many instances, imports are undersized based on size limits established in the U.S. and/or in the country of origin. DNA analysis indicates a single stock structure for the Caribbean spiny lobster (Lipcius and Cobb, 1994; Silberman and Walsh 1994) throughout its range, and thus proper management for resource sustainability is imperative. If the importation of undersized lobsters is allowed to continue, such a practice could potentially impact the reproductive potential of the species, recreational and commercial fishing success, market availability, and the ability to enforce regulations designed to protect the sustainability of the resource. This situation is an important concern for U.S. Southeast Regional Management Councils, responsible for managing the Caribbean spiny lobster resource. Many Caribbean and Central and South American nations share these concerns, and scientific evidence suggests that larvae from one area or region within this species’ range may contribute to stock recruitment in other areas or regions. The Caribbean Fishery Management Council (Council) has expressed intent to amend its Spiny Lobster Fishery Management Plan (FMP) to consider application of a minimum size limit on imported spiny lobster. NOAA Fisheries Service believes that potential revisions to the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Spiny Lobster FMP should be addressed concurrently. After conferring with the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council and South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce designated the Council as the administrative lead to address spiny lobster issues. Thus, the Council will prepare one document that contains an amendment to the Caribbean Spiny Lobster FMP and also an amendment to the Gulf and South Atlantic Spiny Lobster FMP. Given the scientific, international trade, and enforcement issues associated with this action, an opportunity to review potential alternatives under consideration and supporting analyses, is imperative. Proper coordination among all parties will help to ensure that issues are addressed early on in the FMP amendment process.

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