SIZES AT 1ST MATURITY AND AT ONSET OF BREEDING IN FEMALE JASUS-VERREAUXI (DECAPODA, PALINURIDAE) FROM NEW-SOUTH-WALES WATERS, AUSTRALIA

Two criteria were used to investigate the size at which female eastern rock lobsters (Jasus verreauxi) off New South Wales attain maturity. These were the presence of well developed setae on, or the presence of eggs attached to, the pleopods. Females having well developed setae o n the pleopods and/or carrying eggs were found only in catches from Co ffs Harbour and Crowdy Head, the two most northern localities sampled. There were no significant differences in carapace length (CL) between size at first maturity (SOM) and size at onset of breeding (SOB) with in or between areas sampled or when data from different areas were com bined. SOM and SOB values (with 95% confidence intervals) for combined areas were, respectively 170.1 mm CL (169.1-171.2 mm CL) and 166.5 mm CL (166.1-171.9 mm CL). The present legal minimum length for harvesti ng J. verreauxi (104 mm CL) is far shorter than these SOM and SOB valu es. It is suggested that if a legal minimum length is imposed to conse rve the spawning stock, then it should be 166 mm CL.