Abstract

Spiny lobster (Panilurus argus) and related species represent one of the most important commercial fisheries products harvested in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean region. This important fishery extends from Florida (USA) to Brazil. The high demand for this seafood product results in spiny lobster products being shipped worldwide. This study seeks to describe the trade patterns that exist for spiny lobster products among the major harvesting nations in the region, and the major consuming nations worldwide. The trade patterns are expressed in terms of volume and, where possible, value by product type (fresh, frozen). The trade data were obtained from several sources, including the UN Comtrade database and FAO. The trade patterns are described over a multi-year period and will thus highlight changes in imports and exports volumes within the region. Harvest volumes by major exporting country will allow verification between reported exports and harvest volumes by country. The study will describe how(if) the market share of regional spiny lobster products has been changing over time with respect to harvesting nations within the region, as well as other world sources.

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