Estimates of exploitation rates of the spiny lobster fishery forPanulirus argusfrom tagging within the Bahía Espíritu Santo ‘Sian Ka'an’ Biosphere Reserve, Mexican Caribbean

A study of the Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) fishery within Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, Mexico, reveals high exploitation rates exceeding 0.94, driven by intensive fishing in shallow waters (≤20 m) due to gear restrictions. The research used a modified Brownie model to analyze tag recovery data from the 2010/2011 season, accounting for tag retention and reporting biases. Independent aquaria trials and fisher interviews refined estimates of mortality and catchability. Findings suggest that the 'casita/campo' system, which relies on fast-growing juveniles, sustains stable landings by enabling seasonal replenishment, despite high exploitation pressures.

Ley-Cooper, K., De Lestang, S., Phillips, B. F., & Lozano-Álvarez, E. (2013). Estimates of exploitation rates of the spiny lobster fishery forPanulirus argusfrom tagging within the Bahía Espíritu Santo ‘Sian Ka’an’ Biosphere Reserve, Mexican Caribbean. Marine Biology Research, 9(1), 88–96. https://doi.org/10.1080/17451000.2012.727434