Marine reserves for Caribbean spiny lobster: empirical evaluation and theoretical metapopulation recruitment dynamics
Published source details Lipcius R.N., Stockhausen W.T. & Eggleston D.B. (2001) Marine reserves for Caribbean spiny lobster: empirical evaluation and theoretical metapopulation recruitment dynamics. Marine and Freshwater Research, 52, 1589.
Actions
This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
| Action | Category | |
|---|---|---|
Designate a Marine Protected Area and prohibit all types of fishing Action Link |  |
Designate a Marine Protected Area and prohibit all types of fishing
A site comparison study in 1994–1995 in four coral reef areas in Exuma Sound, North Atlantic Ocean, Bahamas (Lipcius et al. 2001) found that the effects of prohibiting all fishing within marine protected areas (no-take) on the abundance and size of Caribbean spiny lobsters Panulirus argus after 8–9 years varied between areas, year and seasons. Overall, lobster abundance was higher in the no-take area (63–51 lobsters/ha) than in only one of three fished areas (data not shown), and similar to abundance in the other two fished areas (6–333 lobsters/ha). The closed area had larger males (118 mm) than two (105–106 mm) of three fished areas (no difference to the other; 113 mm). However, the closed area had larger females (109 mm) than only one (95 mm) of three fished areas (no difference to the other two; 108–128 mm). In 1986, a 456 km2 marine reserve (established in 1959) was designated as a no-take area (although some poaching still occurred). In spring (before the fishing season) and autumn (after the fishing season) 1994–1995, lobster abundance was recorded in the reserve and in three adjacent fished areas (3–17 reef sites/area). Divers examined crevices at depths <20 m, and measured (carapace length), and sexed all lobsters found.
(Summarised by: Anaëlle Lemasson)
