Influence of hydrographic conditions on the distribution of spiny lobster larvae off the west coast of baja california

The distribution of phyllosoma of California spiny lobster Panulirus interruptus was investigated in relation to the seasonal variability of hydrographic conditions off the west coast of the Baja California Peninsula between 2006 and 2008. Early larval stages were recorded mostly from summer to fall, immediately following the reproductive period. The duration of larval development in plankton is variable (8-12 months), and hence, larvae are found at different times of the year; thus, intermediate and late stages did not show a well-defined seasonal pattern. The highest phyllosoma density was associated with the relatively warm transitional water mass. However, the peak frequency of occurrence was observed in the colder subarctic water mass. A canonical correspondence analysis identified two distinct seasonal periods: (1) a warm period (summer-autumn), when the abundance of early and intermediate stages was highly correlated with a higher sea surface temperature, and (2) a cold period (winter- spring), when the most advanced stages were associated with a lower water temperature and higher dissolved oxygen. The distribution of larvae and the geostrophic flow patterns suggest that transport by the California Current and mesoscale eddies are the primary dispersal and retention mechanisms from the various breeding centers along the peninsula: northern (Ensenada-Punta Baja), central (Punta Eugenia), and southern (Golfo de Ulloa). In contrast, the data obtained suggest that the recruitment of late larval stages and pueruli in settlement areas might be regulated by the formation of meanders and poleward currents, in addition to the ability of pueruli (self-recruitment) to reach settlement areas via swimming.