A RECRUITMENT INDEX AND POPULATION-MODEL FOR SPINY LOBSTER (PANULIRUS-ARGUS) USING CATCH AND EFFORT DATA

Using only catch numbers and effort data, we developed a recruitment i ndex that exploits underlying seasonal changes in lobster size frequen cies in the Turks and Caicos Islands' spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) fishery. The recruitment index was successfully used to model the lobs ter population dynamics. An empirical bootstrap method to simulate obs ervation errors suggests that the models are robust enough to form the basis of a management plan. A tentative stock-recruitment relationshi p between estimates of the spawning stock and recruitment has been ide ntified that can be used to guide escapement levels from the fishery. If correct, the stock-recruitment relationship indicates that the lobs ter population is largely self-recruiting.