DISTRIBUTION AND ABUNDANCE OF THE SPINY LOBSTER POPULATIONS (PANULIRUS-ARGUS AND PANULIRUS-GUTTATUS) IN CAYOS-COCHINOS, HONDURAS

A study was conducted to gather baseline data on the present condition of the spiny lobster stocks within the Cayos Cochinos Archipielago us ing direct visual assessment techniques. Data collected would allow th e initial estimate of total abundance and density of lobster species, as well as of the distribution of populations by habitat type and wate r depth, population structure by size/age category, collection and ana lysis of morphological parameters (carapace length, tail length, telso n length and total weight), estimation of sex ratios, and observations on reproductive state. A total of 57 transects, covering 17004 m(2), were completed on SCUBA during the three-week study. Two species of sp iny lobster were observed in 22 of the 57 transects (39%); 34 Panuliru s argus and 16 Panulirus guttatus. Mean density of P. argus overall wa s 19.86 individuals/ha P. guttatus had a mean density overall of 9.35 individuals/ha P. argus showed increasing mean density with decreasing depth whereas P, guttatus showed an opposite trend with no individual s being recorded below 10 m. Linear regression analysis between variou s morphological parameters of P. argus all revealed strong correlation s. The mean carapace length (73 mm) and tail length (127.4 mm) for P. argus were below the minimum legal tail length of 140 mm (5.5 inches) and the corresponding 80 mm carapace length. The sex ratio appeared to be one to one and mature individuals were found amongst both species. Despite the fact that the stocks appear overfished and illegal fishin g activity does take place within the reserve, certain isolated small deep coral patches (sites 21, 26) and areas of rough surface condition s (site 23) have provided refugia for ongoing reproduction and recruit ment. In order to provide further protection of existing stocks throug hout Honduras and especially within the areas of the reserve where har vest is allowed, the following recommendations are given: (1) an absol ute ban on the harvest of berried or spermatophore carrying females; ( 2) a distinction between P. argus and P. guttatus for minimum size reg ulations given that P. guttatus is harvested on an equal basis with P. argus by divers; and (3) the elimination of hooks (replaced by snares ) to capture lobster in order to facilitate release and survival if un dersized or berried.