Policy design for spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) management at the meso-American barrier reef system

The effect of fishing mortality (F), and age of first catch of the spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) stocks of the northwestern Caribbean were evaluated with an age-structured simulation model. The approach assumes that regional fisheries (Belize, Cuba, Honduras, and Mexico) depend mostly on a single breeding stock. Stocks were assessed independently for each country. Assessment of recruitment levels allowed determination of optimum, threshold stock sizes, and F levels. Intensity of exploitation of each stock was evaluated and optimum exploitation policies were identified. It was found that the spiny lobster stocks of the northwestern Caribbean are slightly underexploited, with incipient overexploitation of juveniles. The age of first catch producing the highest yields is one year. Current yields and their relation with the highest possible yields for each stock were evaluated for each country, but the highest values (F_max) correspond to the fishing intensity at the threshold stock size and, therefore, an 0.75F_max value is advised as a management target. The expected proportions of F required for keeping stock sizes below the threshold levels, i.e., at 0.75F_max, if chosen as management targets, are: for Belize 0.225, Cuba 0.225, Honduras 0.15, and Mexico 0.15. Yield increments ranging from 39 t (for Mexico) to 4,091 t (for Honduras) are expected as potential production of stocks at the fishing intensity level. The Benefit/Cost ratio is higher under current F than at 0.75F_max for three countries, but not Honduras.