SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL DISTRIBUTION OF THE PHYLLOSOMA OF THE SPINY LOBSTER, PANULIRUS-MARGINATUS, IN THE NORTHWESTERN HAWAIIAN-ISLANDS

The distribution of Panulirus marginatus phyllosomes is relatively hom ogeneous throughout the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Specifically, t he very low adult lobster abundance at Lisianski Island is likely not due to a lack of late-stage phyllosomes. The pelagic duration of the l arvae of P. marginatus is estimated to be 12 months. Satellite-tracked drifter buoys provide evidence that eddies and the Subtropical Counte r Current may retain phyllosomes around the Northwestern Hawaiian Isla nds for their 12-month pelagic period.