Cayman Islands National Biodiversity Action Plan 2009 3.M.1.

3 Marine Species - Invertebrates Spiny Lobster

Rev: 19 March 2012

Spiny Lobster Panulirus argus Taxonomy and Range Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Arthropoda, Class: Malacostraca, Order: Decapoda, Family: Palinuridae Genus: Panulirus, Species: argus The Caribbean Spiny Lobster Panulirus argus is one of 21 species of Panulirus existing worldwide. Spiny Lobster provides an important commercial (including export) fishery for those countries in the region possessing extensive shallow water shelf areas, and important artisanal fisheries for the smaller island nations. The Cayman Islands also supports a population of Spotted Spiny Lobster Panulirus guttatus. While no formal population assessment has been undertaken, it is likely less abundant that P. argus Status Distribution: Bermuda and North Carolina, USA to the north and extending southward through the Gulf of Mexico, Florida USA, Bahamas, Caribbean Islands, and coastal areas of Central and South America to as far south as Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In shallow waters (< 150 feet), especially coral reefs, rocky or rubble bottoms, mangroves, and seagrass beds, where these habitats offer hiding places. Conservation: Although not IUCN or CITES listed, Spiny Lobster is reported as being over-fished in some locations, and many of the larger producers manage their Spiny Lobster fishery.
For Reference and Acknowledgement: Cottam, M., Olynik, J., Blumenthal, J., Godbeer, K.D., Gibb, J., Bothwell, J., Burton, F.J., Bradley, P.E., Band, A., Austin, T., Bush, P., Johnson, B.J., Hurlston, L., Bishop, L., McCoy, C., Parsons, G., Kirkconnell, J., Halford, S. and Ebanks-Petrie, G. (2009). Cayman Islands National Biodiversity Action Plan 2009. Cayman Islands Government. Department of Environment. Final Formatting and production by John Binns, International Reptile Conservation Foundation.

Section: 3.M.1.3 Marine Species - Invertebrates - Spiny Lobster

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Legal: Under the current Marine Conservation Law, a three-month open season for Spiny Lobster exists December 1st - end of February. During this time, it is legal to take Spiny Lobster from Cayman waters.No one may purchase, receive, or possess Spiny Lobster outside of this period.The open-season catch limit is three per person, or six per boat, per day, whichever is least.Minimum tail-size for take is six inches. Only P. argus may be taken. Lobster may not be taken in any marine protected areas. Pending legislation, all lobster would be protected under that National Conservation Law (Schedule II). The Department of Environment is the lead body for local protection. Natural History Caribbean Spiny Lobsters Panulirus argus are bottom-dwelling, opportunistic omnivores which forage at night, seeking out any available animal flesh, and occasionally plants. Their strong mandibles are specially adapted for crushing mollusc shells. In mating, the male deposits a spermatophore (sperm packet or tar spot) on the underside of the females abdomen. Here it remains until conditions are right for spawning. During spawning the female expels her eggs, simultaneously scratching off the attached spermatophore to release the sperm. The female then carries and cares for the fertilized eggs on the underside of her tail, until they are ready to hatch: a period of 3-4 weeks. Fecundity in Panulirus argus is high. Larger females produce more eggs, than smaller ones, ranging between 40,000 to 2 million per spawning. Water temperature influences spawning frequency, and in very warm waters, spawning may occur year-round. Spiny Lobsters hatch as 3mm long, transparent, spider-like larvae called phyllosomes. Phyllosomes are planktonic, drifting with the prevailing current for 6-12 months. After growing through several moults, the phyllosome metamorphoses into a 2cm long puerulus: a miniature adult body form. The puerulus swims to coastal waters, settling to the bottom, to seek out a suitable, protective nursery habitat. Here it moults and begins to develop the camouflaging colouration of a juvenile lobster. Maturity generally occurs around 1-3 years. It is, however, impossible to accurately age a wild lobster, and the maximum lifespan of the species remains unknown. Associated Habitats and Species for Spiny Lobster ASSOCIATED HABITAT PLANS 2.M.1 Open Sea 2.M.2 Coral Reefs 2.M.3 Lagoons 2.M.4 Seagrass Beds 2.M.5 Dredged Seabed 2.M.6 Artificial Installations 2.S.3 Mangrove Current Factors Affecting Spiny Lobster Historical pressure: local research into recruitment, abundance, and distribution of Spiny Lobster began with investigations in the North Sound, Grand Cayman. Anecdotal reports indicate abundant local stocks, however historical investigations, including one as early as 1945, indicated an already depleted stock suffering from low recruitment. This was attributed to the large-scale exploitation of juveniles for bait, and a developing demand for the tourism market. Although historical abundance cannot be confirmed, it is reasonable to assume that higher numbers existed before Cayman began developing in the 1960s. Harvesting: although it is has been illegal to take juvenile lobsters since 1978, during the past three decades demand for lobster has escalated, along with the tourism boom and concomitant increase in the local populace. In an attempt to lessen fishing pressure and maximize reproduction, following investigations into the reproductive ecology of Spiny Lobsters in the North Sound, 2001, the original closed season was extended, and catch limits reduced. Habitat loss: destructive development and extractive industry in the North Sound, Grand Caymans largest shallow water lagoon, has particularly impact Spiny Lobster. Habitat loss is probably a significant factor affecting both recruitment and adult standing stock. Persistence of associated sedimentation and the large-scale removal of (already limited) bedrock habitats and mangroves represent compounding influences. Poaching: despite effective enforcement of the Marine Conservation Law, there exists a certain level of background poaching. The evolution of drug-culture, the advent of crack cocaine, and the development of an unemployable subclass within local society has contributed, in large part, to a new poaching element for whom jail-time offers little by way of functional deterrent. Individual poachers have the capacity to inflict significant damage on remnant populations. Section: 3.M.1.3 Marine Species - Invertebrates - Spiny Lobster Page: 2 ASSOCIATED SPECIES PLANS

Whelks & Soldier Crab Cittarium pica & Coenobita clypeatus Queen Conch Strombus gigas

 Value: a combination of economic and cultural value, in addition to biological significance, makes threats to the viability of the Spiny Lobster of particular concern. Larval stage: planktonic dispersal makes local lobster populations, to some extent, dependent on regional current regimes, and healthy regional populations. Opportunities and Current Local Action for Spiny Lobster While take of Spiny Lobster is governed by the Marine Conservation Law, associated regulations were last updated in 2002, and might benefit from further revision. Since the initial investigations by DoE into larval recruitment, abundance, and reproductive ecology of Spiny Lobster in the North Sound ended in 2000, there has been some preliminary ongoing investigation. This has focused on recruitment of both juveniles and adults to artificial habitats, including the seeding of artificial habitats with harvested post-larvae, with a view to examining the potential for recruitment to the adult fishery. The results of these studies, while varied and interesting, are too scant to make any statistically valid inferences regarding the viability of artificial supplementation of natural populations. These results, however, warrant further investigation. Spiny Lobsters are listed as a seafood to Avoid under the Cayman Sea Sense education programme. SPECIES ACTION PLAN for Spiny Lobster OBJECTIVES 1. Determine more comprehensively baseline levels of recruitment, abundance, and distribution, towards informing effective conservation management and ensuring the long-term stability of local populations. 2. Ensure more compliance with current provisions of the law, and update as necessary, towards long-term sustainability of harvesting. 3. Ensure continued support for the conservation of the Spiny Lobster as a sustainable recreational and local subsistence fishery. TARGET ongoing ongoing ongoing

Spiny Lobster PROPOSED ACTION Policy & Legislation PL1. Pass and implement the National Conservation Law. PL2. Implement the Endangered Species (Trade & Transport) Law. PL3. Protect Panulirus argus under Schedule II of the National Conservation Law, through establishment of conservation regulations. PL4. Continue enforcement of relevant Marine laws and regulations. PL5. Amend legislation as necessary, to maintain stability of stocks and encourage sustainability of the lobster fishery. PL6. Amend Marine Laws as necessary, to close established loop-holes, and facilitate necessary enforcement and prosecution. PL7. Establish policy of discouraging Cayman Islands involvement in activities likely to contribute to an increase in pressure on local or regional stocks of threatened marine species e.g. Conch eating contests. SM1. Implement stricter enforcement of Marine Conservation Law and associated regulations.

LEAD

PARTNERS

TARGET

MEETS OBJECTIVE 1,2,3 1,2 1,2,3 2 2 2 3

CIG DoE DoE DoE MCB MCB DoE DoT NT

DoE CIG CIG RCIP CIG CIG CIG CITA SITA

2006 2006 2006 ongoing ongoing ongoing ongoing

Safeguards & Management DoE RCIP ongoing 2

Section: 3.M.1.3 Marine Species - Invertebrates - Spiny Lobster

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Spiny Lobster PROPOSED ACTION SM2. Implement conservation management of pre-existing dredged seabed (borrow pits), towards artificial habitat creation for marine species, especially lobster, and establish these sites as managed areas, towards facilitation of a sustainable lobster fishery for the Cayman Islands. SM3. Implement associated HAPs. Advisory A1. Targeted awareness of the need for the National Conservation Law and the Endangered Species (Trade & Transport) Law. RM1. Complete comprehensive assessment of standing stock abundance, prioritizing North Sound. RM2. Monitor stock for changes in recruitment patterns. RM3. Continue monitoring local stocks. RM4. Continue investigating the potential for artificially supplementation to improve survival of recruits. RM5. Develop guidelines for the restoration and enhancement of dredged seabed (borrow pits) towards maximising habitat value for lobster and other species. CP1. Target awareness events towards Government and local community to garner support for continued protection. CP2. Scientific publication of Spiny Lobster work when appropriate. CP3. Continue public awareness announcements. CP4. Continue constant reminders of Marine Park & fishery rules. CP5. Raise awareness of sustainable alternatives to threatened fisheries amongst members of the public through involvement with educational programmes e.g. Cayman Sea Sense. CP6. Utilise native flora and fauna, and associated preservation efforts, in the international promotion of the Cayman Islands.

LEAD

PARTNERS

TARGET

MEETS OBJECTIVE 1 1,2,3

DoE DoE

MCB MP

2011 2015

DoE

CIG NT

2006

Research & Monitoring DoE DoE DoE DoE DoE IntC IntC 2013 ongoing ongoing ongoing 2012 1 1 1 1 1

Communication & Publicity DoE MCB DoE DoE MCB DoE NT CIG DoE DoT CA MP DoE MP NT DoT CIG MP IntC NT ongoing ongoing ongoing ongoing ongoing 2010 3 3 3 3 3 3

Section: 3.M.1.3 Marine Species - Invertebrates - Spiny Lobster

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