Resumen del producto

The spiny lobster Panulirus argus (Latreille, 1804) is the most important fishery for the Caribbean coast of Mexico and represents the highest lobster catch for this species in the country with over 900 t caught yearly. The Chinchorro Bank Biosphere Reserve is one of the most productive zones in the area and provides 98 direct jobs for three fisher cooperatives. Results from the model in the present study suggests that fishing pressure on the spiny lobster is over exploiting the stock, and although some non-explained changes could also be determined by climate change effects on recruitment, migration or other specific population parameters, simulation results indicate that relative high fishing mortality has occurred over time. Although this fishery has remained as a profitable activity as observed in the yearly catch stability, advice is given to enhance recruitment and restore stock biomass to its initial values. The models results suggest that maximum yield may be achieved by a reduction of current fishing mortality (F) by 29%; however, the risk of a socio-economic crisis requires a gradual reduction of fishing effort, which could be attained by reducing (F) by 0.025 per cent each year; which means a one week reduction on the first fishing season, until the goal is achieved. The models projection shows that after the first few years of applying this F reduction, catch decrease would be minimal, and the stock could be restored to levels obtained 30 years ago, where yields were twice the current ones. Simulations also suggest that if this management strategy is adopted, the number of fishers and profits produced would reach more than twice the current levels.

Palabras clave: bio-economic simulation; fisheries; Caribbean spiny lobster; harvesting strategies

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