Caribbean Spiny Lobster Panulirus argus

Transcription

1 Caribbean Spiny Lobster Panulirus argus Scandinavian Fishing Yearbook Bahamas, Belize, Brazil, Honduras, and Nicaragua Traps, Diving with Use of Casitas June 24, 213 Meghan Sullivan, Consulting Researcher Disclaimer Seafood Watch strives to ensure all our Seafood Reports and the recommendations contained therein are accurate and reflect the most up-to-date evidence available at time of publication. All our reports are peerreviewed for accuracy and completeness by external scientists with expertise in ecology, fisheries science or aquaculture. Scientific review, however, does not constitute an endorsement of the Seafood Watch program or its recommendations on the part of the reviewing scientists. Seafood Watch is solely responsible for the conclusions reached in this report. We always welcome additional or updated data that can be used for the next revision. Seafood Watch and Seafood Reports are made possible through a grant from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation.

2 2 Final Seafood Recommendation A portion of the fisheries covered in this report are engaged in a Fishery Improvement Project (FIP). Stock Fishery Impacts on the Stock Impacts on other Species Management Habitat and Ecosystem Overall Rank (Score) Lowest scoring species Rank*, Subscore, Score Rank Score Rank Score Recommendation Score Caribbean Spiny Lobster - Bahamas Bahamas - Diving with Casitas Green 3.83 No other main species caught Green, 5, GOOD ALTERNATIVE 3.31 Caribbean Spiny Lobster - Bahamas Bahamas - Trap Green 3.83 Unknown Finfish, Unknown Invertebrates Green, 3.32, GOOD ALTERNATIVE 2.78 Caribbean Spiny Lobster - Belize Belize - Trap 1.41 Unknown Finfish Green, 3.32, AVOID 1.98 Caribbean Spiny Lobster - Belize Belize - Diving with Casitas 1.41 No other main species caught Green, 5, AVOID 2.17 Caribbean Spiny Lobster - Brazil Brazil - Trap 1.41 Unknown Finfish Green, 3.32,2.49 Critical 3.12 AVOID Caribbean Spiny Lobster - Honduras Honduras - Trap 1.73 Unknown Invertebrates Green, 3.32,2.49 Critical 3.12 AVOID Caribbean Spiny Lobster - Honduras Honduras - Diving with Casitas 1.73 No other main species caught Green, 5,5 Critical 3.12 AVOID Caribbean Spiny Lobster - Nicaragua Nicaragua - Trap 1.73 Unknown Finfish Green, 3.32,2.49 Critical 3.12 AVOID Caribbean Spiny Lobster - Nicaragua Nicaragua - Diving with Casitas 1.73 No other main species caught Green, 5,5 Critical 3.12 AVOID Scoring note scores range from zero to five where zero indicates very poor performance and five indicates the fishing operations have no significant impact.

3 3 Table of Contents Final Seafood Recommendation... 2 Executive Summary... 4 Introduction... 6 Analysis Criterion 1: Stock for which you want a recommendation Criterion 2: Impacts on Other Retained and Bycatch Stocks Criterion 3: Management Effectiveness... 2 Criterion 4: Impacts on the Habitat and Ecosystem... 3 Overall Recommendation Acknowledgements About Seafood Watch Guiding Principles... 39

4 4 Executive Summary The spiny lobster is a commercially fished marine invertebrate. There are several distinct species of spiny lobster located in various areas of the world. This report provides information and recommendations for the Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) fished in the waters of the Bahamas, Belize, Brazil, Honduras, and Nicaragua and fished with traps and by diving with the use of casitas and/or SCUBA gear. The spiny lobster is moderately vulnerable to fishing pressure. They tend to mature fairly quickly (between 2 to 3 years), compared to their life span (approximately 2 to 3 years). Recently matured spiny lobsters tend to spawn once a year, while older lobsters can spawn multiple times per year and females produce upwards of 5, eggs which can disperse widely. Regular stock assessments for Caribbean spiny lobster are rare. Some of the fisheries seem to be experiencing steady landing rates, while others are experiencing a decline in landings. While there is no definitive information about abundance, the information does suggest that the stock is overfished in most countries. Fishing mortality follows a coherent pattern to that of stock abundance and appears to indicate overfishing is occurring. The impact of the commercial fishery on the Caribbean spiny lobster in the Bahamas is ranked green while the fisheries in Belize, Brazil, Honduras, and Nicaragua are ranked red. The most common non-targeted species caught in the Caribbean spiny lobster trap fishery include various fin fish and crab species. The total discard rate for lobster fisheries is generally between 8% and 15%, but that includes a large number of invertebrates, such as stone crabs, which are generally returned alive. As such, it is unlikely any one species comprises more than 5% of the catch. Cormorants are known to be caught in similar fisheries in the Gulf of California. The impact on cormorants from the Caribbean spiny lobster fishery in Caribbean, Central and South American fisheries is unknown but is believed to not be a limiting factor in this fishery. No species of concern are caught in the spiny lobster fishery. The impact on other species is ranked green. Similarly, the free-dive and hand-harvest fisheries, including those that use casitas for lobster shelter do not result in large numbers of non-targeted species. Even in the areas in which casitas are used, animals move freely and are still harvested by hand with the use of nets and/or hooks. As a result, the Caribbean spiny lobster fishery is extremely selective and results in very little incidental catch. Occasionally, fishermen capture stone crab species for domestic consumption. Management of spiny lobster in all countries has not been effective at maintaining a stable, abundant population. The lack of readily available, current information about stock abundance and fishing mortality are concerns. Additionally, while all the countries mandate a minimum legal size and a closed season, both vary from country to country. Most countries also regulate the type and number of fishing gears in efforts to control the fishing effort. Despite the regulations in place, all countries seem to have difficulties enforcing the regulations, leading to

5 5 high incidences of illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing. Overall, the management of the spiny lobster fisheries in the Bahamas and in Belize is ranked red. Brazil, Honduras, and Nicaragua are considered critical due to the high levels of IUU. The spiny lobster fisheries in the Bahamas, Belize, Brazil, Honduras, and Nicaragua are trap based or dived based and utilize casitas as shelters to attract lobsters (although Honduras and Nicaragua do not allow casitas). Both traps and casitas result in some damage to the benthic habitat but each country has regulations protecting some portion of habitat in reserves. The ecosystem impacts from the trap and casita based fisheries are considered moderate. The spiny lobster fisheries in the Bahamas, Brazil, Honduras and Nicaragua are engaged in Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs). Engagement in a FIP does not affect the Seafood Watch score as we base our assessments on the current situation. Monterey Bay Aquarium is a member organization of the Conservation Alliance for Seafood Solutions. The Alliance has outlined guidelines for credible Fishery Improvement Projects. As such, Seafood Watch will support procurement from fisheries engaged in a FIP provided it can be verified by a third party that the FIP meets the Alliance guidelines. It is not the responsibility of Monterey Bay Aquarium to verify the credibility or progress of a FIP, or promote the fisheries engaged in improvement projects.

6 6 Introduction The spiny lobster is a commercially fished marine invertebrate. There are several distinct species of spiny lobster located in various areas of the world. This report will provide information and recommendations for the Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) fished within the Bahamas, Belize, Brazil, Honduras and Nicaragua. This lobster is fished with traps and by diving with the use of casitas or scuba gear. The Caribbean spiny lobster is found and fished along the coast of Florida, within the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, and the along the coast of Central and South America through Brazil (Holthuis 1991, Figure 1). It should be noted the Caribbean spiny lobster may be composed of genetically distinct stocks in the Caribbean Sea and along the Brazilian coast, although lobsters with genetic markers from each of these stocks are found within the entire range indicating mixing (Ehrhardt 25). Additionally, the green lobster (Panulirus laevicauda) is also caught alongside the Caribbean spiny lobster in Brazilian waters. This mixed stock will be referred to as the Brazilian spiny lobster fishery throughout this report. Figure 1: Distribution of P.argus. From Holthuis 1991 Overview of the species and management bodies The spiny lobster, of the genus Panulirus, contains approximately 2 different species occurring worldwide in tropical and subtropical waters (Pollack 1995). The spiny lobster can be easily distinguished by the long, spiny antennae and by the lack of claws on the first four pairs of legs (Holthuis 1991). Spiny lobsters are typically found at depths from to 9 meters, depending

7 7 upon the species (Holthuis 1991). Juvenile lobsters usually spend their first few years in nearshore surf grass beds while adults favor rocky substrates and reefs areas that provide protection (GMFMC et al. 211). Spiny lobsters tend to be nocturnal and migrate among depths, depending upon the season, and generally move deeper in winter months (Holthius 1991). Several different species of spiny lobster support commercial fisheries worldwide. As such, there are a variety of management bodies regulating the fisheries. The key management measures for most of the fisheries include minimum carapace length, season closures, and various gear restrictions. Bahamas and Belize The Bahamas and Belize are both members of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) which is an intergovernmental organization intended To promote and facilitate the responsible utilization of the region's fisheries and other aquatic resources for the economic and social benefits of the current and future population of the region (CRFM 21). The Belize Fisheries Department is responsible for fisheries management in the country since the Fisheries Act of 1948 was passed. The lobster fishery is the most important of Belize s small-scale fisheries (Monnerreau and Pollnac 212). The primary regulations in place for spiny lobster are minimum size limits, closed fishing seasons, prohibition of take on berried females, and a prohibition for the use of SCUBA gear. Lobsters are harvested with traps and by skin-diving (Monnerreau and Pollnac 212). Lobster traps in Belize are typically unbaited (CRFM 211a). The Bahamas regulates its fisheries through the Department of Marine Resources (formerly the Department of Fisheries) and restricts commercial fishing to nationals (CRFM 28). Management regulations include minimum size, closed season, and permits required for traps or the use of hookahs while diving (FAO/WCAFC 21). Gears used in the fishery include spears, hooks, compressors, traps and casitas. The use of casitas has become the predominant method, displacing spears and traps (CRFM 211a). The number of casitas is unknown but their use is widespread. Some records indicate approximately 6, traps in use (CRFM, 28). Brazil In Brazil, the lobster fishery is regulated by the Brazilian Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture (MFA) and enforced by the Institute for the Environment (IBAMA) within the respective ministry. The management system includes a participatory body, the Management Committee for Spiny Lobster Fishery (CGPL) (MFA 21) and incorporates a Scientific Technical Spiny Lobster Subcommittee Working Group including many stakeholders (FAO 23). The Brazilian lobster fishery incorporates both small artisanal fishers as well as mid- to large-sized industrial

8 8 boats (Negreiros Aragao pers. comm. 212). The Brazilian spiny lobster fishery (which includes a mixed catch of both the Caribbean spiny lobster and the green spiny lobster) includes regulations to limit the vessel licenses, close the season, protect nursery areas, restrict gear, and establish a minimum size (FAO 23, and E. Godelman 213 pers. comm.). Honduras The Honduras fishery includes management regulations intended to limit access and reduce the catch of immature or berried females (minimum sizes and season closures) (FAO 23). DIGEPESCA is the governmental authority in charge of fishery management and regulation in Honduras. Nicaragua Nicaragua has established Ministerial Agreements which define fishing quotas and minimum sizes (FAO/WCAFC 21, FAO 23). Spiny lobsters in both the industrial fishery and the small scale fishery are caught by traps and by diving (Ehrhardt 2, Monnerreau and Pollnac 212). Research indicates that spiny lobster stocks for Honduras and Nicaragua are likely one in the same (FAO/WCAFC 21). There is a regional management agreement for spiny lobster in Central America established by OSPESCA (Organizacion del Sector Pesquero y Acuicola del Itsmo Centroamericano Agreement OSP-2-9). The agreement is essentially in accord with the regulations of each country. However, management regulations are not adequately enforced (FAO 23). Production statistics The Caribbean spiny lobster is widely captured throughout its ranged. Global capture production has varied widely with a minimum of approximately 3 tonnes in 195 and a maximum of 42, tonnes in 1995 with an average total value of US$5 million (Martinez et al. 27). Landings from 21 were approximately 35,6 tonnes and the average production over the last decade is approximately 36, (FAO 212, Figure 2). The United States imports spiny lobster, including the Caribbean spiny lobster, from several countries in the Caribbean, Central and South America. The catch production from Brazil and the Bahamas has fluctuated around 7, tonnes each for the past decade (FAO 29, Figure 3). However, recent catch from Brazil has dropped to almost half of that (pers. comm. Godelman 213). The capture from Belize has been fairly consistent around 6 tonnes (FAO 29). Honduras and Nicaragua each saw a reduction in capture around the year 2 and again recently. Capture production in 29 for Honduras and Nicaragua was 2,145 and 3,419 tonnes, respectively (FAO 29).

9 9 Tonnes Thousands Figure 2. Global capture production. Data from FAO Bahamas Belize Brazil Honduras Mexico Nicaragua United States 1 Metric Tons Figure 3. Capture production statistics for Caribbean spiny lobster from 199 to 29 in various countries. Figure compiled from FAO 29. Importance to the US/North American market Spiny lobsters are fished throughout the Caribbean and along the Central and South American coastlines. The combined western Atlantic landings of the species were approximately 28,122 metric tons in 28 (SEDAR 21). Of the total spiny lobster imports to the United States, approximately 22% is from Brazil, 13% from the Bahamas, 12% from Nicaragua, an 11% from Honduras (NMFS 212).

10 1 Common and market names Spiny lobsters, in general, are also known as rock lobsters. While known as spiny lobster, there are other less commonly used nomenclatures. The Caribbean spiny lobster is also known as Bermuda spiny lobster, common spiny lobster, crawfish, crayfish, Florida (spiny) lobster, West Indian langouste and West Indian spiny lobster (Holthuis 1991, NOAA 211). Primary product forms The spiny lobster is marketed whole and sold live, cooked, and/or frozen. Tails are frozen or canned.

11 11 Analysis Scoring guide All scores result in a zero to five final score for the criterion and the overall final rank. A zero score indicates poor performance, while a score of five indicates high performance. The full Seafood Watch Fisheries Criteria that the following scores relate to are available on our website at Criterion 1: Stock for which you want a recommendation Guiding principles The stock is healthy and abundant. Abundance, size, sex, age and genetic structure should be maintained at levels that do not impair the long-term productivity of the stock or fulfillment of its role in the ecosystem and food web. Fishing mortality does not threaten populations or impede the ecological role of any marine life. Fishing mortality should be appropriate given current abundance and inherent vulnerability to fishing while accounting for scientific uncertainty, management uncertainty, and non-fishery impacts such as habitat degradation. Summary Stock Fishery Inherent Vulnerability Stock Status Fishing Mortality Criterion 1 Rank Rank (Score) Rank (Score) Rank (Score) Caribbean Spiny Lobster - Bahamas Bahamas - Diving with Casitas Medium Low Concern (4) Low Concern (3.67) Green (3.83) Caribbean Spiny Lobster - Bahamas Bahamas - Trap Medium Low Concern (4) Low Concern (3.67) Green (3.83) Caribbean Spiny Lobster - Belize Belize - Diving with Casitas Medium High Concern (2) High Concern (1) (1.41) Caribbean Spiny Lobster - Belize Belize - Trap Medium High Concern (2) High Concern (1) (1.41)

12 12 Caribbean Spiny Lobster - Brazil Brazil - Trap Medium High Concern (2) High Concern (1) (1.41) Caribbean Spiny Lobster - Honduras Honduras - Trap Medium Moderate Concern (3) High Concern (1) (1.73) Caribbean Spiny Lobster - Honduras Honduras - Diving with Casitas Medium Moderate Concern (3) High Concern (1) (1.73) Caribbean Spiny Lobster - Nicaragua Nicaragua - Trap Medium Moderate Concern (3) High Concern (1) (1.73) Caribbean Spiny Lobster - Nicaragua Nicaragua - Diving with Casitas Medium Moderate Concern (3) High Concern (1) (1.73) The spiny lobster is moderately vulnerable to fishing pressure. They tend to mature fairly quickly (between 2 to 3 years), compared to their life span (approximately 2 to 3 years). Mature spiny lobsters tend to spawn once a year and females produce upwards of 5, eggs, which can disperse widely. Regular stock assessments for the spiny lobster are rare. While there is no definitive information about abundance, most countries indicate the stock is overfished. Fishing mortality follows a similar pattern to that of stock abundance and appears to indicate overfishing is occurring. The Caribbean spiny lobster fishery in the Bahamas is ranked green while the fisheries in Belize, Brazil, Honduras, and Nicargua are ranked red. Justification of Ranking Factor 1.1 Inherent Vulnerability Key relevant information: Moderate Vulnerability According to the Seafood Watch PSA analysis, Caribbean spiny lobster appears to be of moderate vulnerability.

13 13 Detailed Rationale Lobster Species Caribbean spiny lobster Factor Score Source Average Age at Lengths at 7-8 mm 2 Ehrhardt 25 Maturity 2-3 Years Chavez 21 Average Maximum Age 2-3 years 2 Ehrhardt 25 Reproductive Strategy Brooder 2 Ehrhardt 25 SEDAR 21 Density Dependence No density dependence suggested, but unknown - Behringer and Butler 26 Score (mean of factor scores) 2 Moderate Vulnerability Bahamas Factor 1.2 Stock Status Key relevant information: Low Concern Indications are that the spiny lobster stock in the Bahamas is above the limit reference point (2%SSB ) and is fluctuating around the target reference point (4%SSB ) (Medley & Gittens, 212). There is considerable uncertainty associated with the stock assessment as discussed below. Detailed Rationale: The latest stock assessment was conducted in 212 and contained a number of models, each with varying degrees of uncertainty. This uncertainty is created by, among other issues, a lack of catch reporting within the fishery with data for the stock assessment coming from exporters and a limited number of interviews with the fishing industry. The indications above are based on the most precautionary estimate, which attempted to account for unreported and illegal landings (believed to be 36% of the total landings) (Medley & Gittens, 212). Despite these concerns over uncertainty, precautionary estimates place the abundance above the limit reference point. Factor 1.3 Fishing Mortality Key relevant information: Low Concern The most recent stock assessment demonstrates that, in the majority of models used, fishing mortality is below F MSY and, in the most precautionary case, is approaching F MSY (Medley & Gittens, 212). There is uncertainty associated with this stock assessment due to limited data availability and coverage.

14 14 Brazil Factor 1.2 Stock Status Key relevant information: High Concern There is very little information about the stock status; little effort has been made to monitor and evaluate the stock. The Brazilian stock of the Caribbean spiny lobster is believed to be distinct from that within the Caribbean, but there is still evidence of gene flow and recruitment occurring between the two (IBAMA 28). Additionally, the Brazilian lobster fishery is also composed of the green spiny lobster. The stock abundance of the spiny lobster in Brazil is driven by variable levels of recruitment, likely a result of environmental changes like El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events (Butler et al. 211). Past abundance estimates showed a significant decline over the 199s, which is likely continuing (Butler et al. 211). The consistently high levels of fishing mortality in the past and variable recruitment indicate the stock status is overfished (FAO 21). Factor 1.3 Fishing Mortality Key relevant information: High Concern As with stock status, there is little information available regarding the fishing mortality. Even current statistics on total landings are not wholly accurate (Negreiros Aragao pers. comm. 212). But the depletion model indicates that the stock has been decreasing while fishing mortality has been increasing (FAO 21). There is a lack of consistent results from various models, but all results seem to indicate high levels of exploitation of the spiny lobster stock (FAO 21). Belize Factor 1.2 Stock Status Key relevant information: High Concern Overall stock size is estimated to have declined by 25% over the last decade. The spawning stock biomass appears to have declined by almost 9% and stock recruitment appears to have declined by around 36% (Gongora 21). Detailed Rationale: Most recent attempts at establishing the stock status have been based on fishery-dependent export data to determine age groups of exported lobster tails (Gongora 21). Ninety-eight percent of the catches were represented by two age groups (ages 2 and 3) and, therefore, did not provide enough information for an adequate age-based cohort analysis (Gongora 21). But, based on the available information of calculated tail weights from landings, the stock biomass decreased by 17.4% from 352 tons in 1999 to 292 tons in 29 (See Figure 4), while the modeled spawning stock biomass declined by close to 9%. There were a large number of assumptions and uncertainties associated with the data used in the latest stock assessment models, but it is generally agreed the stock in the Belize area has declined over the period from

15 to 29 and has been assessed to be halfway between fully exploited and overexploited with declines in spawning biomass, recruitment biomass, and total biomass (FAO 211). Figure 4. Lobster stock (calculated as tail weight) and spawning biomass during the period 1999 to 29. From Gongora 21. Factor 1.3 Fishing Mortality Key relevant information: High Concern Gongora (21) found high mortalities that corresponded with those from an earlier study in 27. Fishing mortality, based on estimations of fishing effort as a number of fishing days, is above Fmax. Detailed Rationale (optional): Catch per unit effort has been declining over the past decade and fishing mortality appears to be high (Butler et al. 211). Lobster landings, while relatively stable over the last five years, have declined since 1999 (See Figure 5) though effort (based on fishing days) has increased (CRFM 211a, CRFM 211b). Gongora (21) recommends that fishing mortality needs to be reduced in order to maintain the fishery.

16 16 Figure 5. Lobster landings during the period 1999 to 29. From CRFM 211b Honduras Factor 1.2 Stock Status Key relevant information: Moderate Concern A stock assessment for the Caribbean spiny lobster in the Honduras-Nicaragua shelf area was conducted in 1999 (Phillips pers. comm. 212). Based on fishing mortality (see Factor 1.3 below) it is likely that the status of the fishery is overfished, but as there is no current information assessing the stock, status in Honduras is unknown. Detailed Rationale: An updated stock assessment process was started in 28 and in 21 a report was published as part of a USAID and WWF funded project, which provided preliminary information from the stock assessment (WWF 21). There was no indication of abundance estimates relative to biological reference points (BRPs). Factor 1.3 Fishing Mortality Key relevant information: High Concern Observer-on-board programs have witnessed an increase in fishing mortality (Sosa-Cordero and Ramirez-Gonzalez 21). The Caribbean spiny lobster fishery in Honduras has been classified as overexploited (FAO 26, FAO 211).

17 17 Detailed Rationale: As noted above, a stock assessment process was started in 28, and preliminary results published in a WWF report in 21 provided estimates of fishing mortality for the 27-8 and 28-9 fishing seasons; however, there was no comparison against BRPs. The estimates for fishing mortality were greater than 1. in all cases (WWF 21). Nicaragua Factor 1.2 Stock Status Key relevant information: Moderate Concern Biomass estimates, obtained by means of length cohort analysis, over the years have fluctuated widely (Butler et al. 211). The last stock assessments for the Caribbean spiny lobster in the Honduras-Nicaragua shelf area was in 1999 (Phillips pers. comm. 212) and is no longer considered to be a good indication of stock status. Factor 1.3 Fishing Mortality Key relevant information: High Concern Effort has been increasing over the historical numbers for the fishery and fishing mortality rates (F) have reached levels of.53 per year, while natural mortality is at.35 (Butler et al. 211). Annual fishing quotas are in place, but are regularly exceeded (Monnerreau and Pollnac 212). Further, the mean length of individuals harvested has also declined, indicating overfishing (Butler et al. 211). Criterion 2: Impacts on Other Retained and Bycatch Stocks Guiding principles The fishery minimizes bycatch. Seafood Watch defines bycatch as all fisheries-related mortality or injury other than the retained catch. Examples include discards, endangered or threatened species catch, pre-catch mortality and ghost fishing. All discards, including those released alive, are considered bycatch unless there is valid scientific evidence of high post-release survival and there is no documented evidence of negative impacts at the population level. Fishing mortality does not threaten populations or impede the ecological role of any marine life. Fishing mortality should be appropriate given each impacted species abundance and productivity, accounting for scientific uncertainty, management uncertainty and non-fishery impacts such as habitat degradation. Trap Fisheries Summary

18 18 Stock Caribbean Spiny Lobster - Belize Caribbean Spiny Lobster - Brazil Caribbean Spiny Lobster - Honduras Caribbean Spiny Lobster - Nicaragua Unknown Finfish Unknown Invertebra tes Caribbean Spiny Lobster - Bahamas Inherent Vulnerability Rank Medium Medium Medium Medium Medium Medium Medium Stock Status Rank (Score) High Concern (2) High Concern (2) Moderate Concern (3) Moderate Concern (3) Moderate Concern (3) Moderate Concern (3) Low Concern (4) Fishing Mortality Rank (Score) High Concern (1) High Concern (1) High Concern (1) High Concern (1) Low Concern (3.67) Low Concern (3.67) Low Concern (3.67) Stock Status Score Fishing Mortality Score Subscore Discards Discard modifier 1.41 >1% (.75) 1.41 >1% (.75) 1.73 >1% (.75) 1.73 >1% (.75) 3.32 >1% (.75) 3.32 >1% (.75) 3.83 >1% (.75) Score (subscore *discard modifier) Rank (based on subscore) Green Green Green The most common non-targeted species caught in the Caribbean spiny lobster trap fishery include various fin fish and crab species. The total discard rate for lobster fisheries is generally between 8% and 15%, but that includes a large number of invertebrates, for example stone crab, which are generally returned alive. As such, it is unlikely any one species comprises more than 5%, and therefore constitutes a significant part of the catch. No species of concern are caught in the spiny lobster fishery, therefore, unknown finfish and invertebrates are scored as the main bycatch species. Justification of Ranking Unknown finfish and invertebrates Factor 2.1 Inherent Vulnerability Key relevant information: Moderate Vulnerability Finfish and invertebrates of unknown taxa and species are considered to have a moderate vulnerability to fishing pressure (Seafood Watch 212). Factor 2.2 Stock Status

19 19 Key relevant information: Moderate Concern The status of the populations of finfish and invertebrates caught by the spiny lobster fishery are unknown (Seafood Watch 212). Factor 2.3 Fishing Mortality Key relevant information: Low Concern Fishing mortality on the unknown finfish and invertebrate species is considered to be a low concern (Seafood Watch 212). Factor 2.4 Overall Discard Rate Key relevant information: Total discard rates given by Shester and Micheli (211) for spiny lobster trap fisheries are presented as 15%. This figure includes the invertebrates that are most often returned to the water alive, but does not include the bait used. Bait use is generally quite high (for one season in the Punta Abreojos and Bahia Tortugas cooperatives in Mexico, bait use was equal to approximately 4,5 to 5, t while landings fluctuated around 15 t (SCS 211)). Currently, bait species in the Caribbean countries are largely unknown but are likely to be locally caught fish and, in some cases, terrestrial animal carcasses (pers. comm. E. Godelman 213). Studies from other lobster fisheries globally have shown that volumes of bait used regularly exceed the volume of the target species landed (Harnish and Willison 29; Waddington and Meeuwig 29, SCS 211). Additionally, all countries indicate large numbers of undersized individuals being caught, and often times illegally landed and sold locally (Butler et al. 211). With no accurate information available from the Caribbean spiny lobster fishery, the ratio of pounds of bait used to pounds of lobster landed is assumed to be greater than 1%. Diving with Casitas Summary The free-dive and hand-harvest fisheries, including those that use casitas for lobster shelters, do not result in large numbers of non-targeted species. Even in the areas in which casitas are used, animals move freely and are still harvested by hand with the use of nets and/or hooks. As a result, the Caribbean spiny lobster fishery is extremely selective and results in very little incidental catch. Occasionally, fishermen may capture stone crab species for domestic consumption, but this does not constitute a significant part of the catch.

20 2 Criterion 3: Management Effectiveness Guiding principle The fishery is managed to sustain the long-term productivity of all impacted species. Management should be appropriate for the inherent vulnerability of affected marine life and should incorporate data sufficient to assess the affected species and manage fishing mortality to ensure little risk of depletion. Measures should be implemented and enforced to ensure that fishery mortality does not threaten the long-term productivity or ecological role of any species in the future. Summary Fishery Management: Harvest Strategy Management: Bycatch Criterion 3 Bahamas - Trap Bahamas - Diving with Casitas Rank (Score) Rank (Score) High Concern (2) High Concern (2) High Concern (2) All species retained (N/A) Belize - Trap Very High Concern (1) High Concern (2) Belize - Diving with Casitas Very High Concern (1) All species retained (N/A) Brazil - Trap Critical () High Concern (2) Honduras - Trap Honduras - Diving with Casitas Nicaragua - Trap Nicaragua - Diving with Casitas Critical () High Concern (2) Critical () All species retained (N/A) Critical () High Concern (2) Critical () All species retained (N/A) Rank (Score) (2) (2) (1.41) (1) Critical () Critical () Critical () Critical () Critical ()

21 21 Fishery Critical? Mgmt Recovery of strategy and stocks of implement. concern Scientific Scientific research and advice monitoring Enforce. Track record Stakeholder inclusion Management of Retained Species Rank (Score) Bahamas - Trap No Bahamas - Diving with Casitas No Belize - Trap Belize - Diving with Casitas No No Effective Effective Effective Effective Effective Effective Ineffective Ineffective Ineffective Effective Ineffective Ineffective Effective Ineffective Effective Ineffective Ineffective Effective Ineffective Ineffective Effective Effective Effective Effective Highly Effective High Concern (2) Highly Effective High Concern (2) Very High Effective Concern (1) Very High Effective Concern (1) Honduras - Trap Yes Critical () Honduras - Diving with Casitas Yes Critical () Nicaragua - Trap Yes Critical () Nicaragua - Diving with Casitas Yes Critical () Fishery All Critical? Species Retained? Mgmt strategy and implement. Scientific Scientific research and advice monitoring Enforce. Management of bycatch species Rank (Score) Bahamas - Trap No No Bahamas - Diving with Casitas Yes Belize - Trap No No Belize - Diving with Casitas Yes Brazil - Trap No No Honduras - Trap No No Honduras - Diving with Casitas Yes Nicaragua - Trap No No Nicaragua - Diving with Casitas Yes Effective Effective Effective Effective Effective Ineffective Ineffective Ineffective Ineffective Ineffective Effective Ineffective High Concern (2) All Species Retained (N/A) Effective Ineffective High Concern (2) All Species Retained (N/A) Effective Ineffective High Concern (2) Effective Ineffective High Concern (2) All Species Retained (N/A) Effective Ineffective High Concern (2) All Species Retained (N/A) Management of spiny lobster in all countries has not been wholly effective at maintaining a stable, abundant population. This is partly due to the lack of readily available, current

22 22 information about stock abundance and fishing mortality. Additionally, while all the countries mandate a minimum legal size and a closed season, both vary from country to country. Most countries also regulate the type and number of fishing gears in efforts to control the fishing effort. Despite the regulations in place, all countries seem to have difficulties enforcing the regulations, leading to high incidences of illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing. The management of the spiny lobster fishery in the Bahamas and Belize is ranked red and considered critical in the remaining countries. Justification of Ranking Bahamas Factor 3.1 Management of Fishing Impacts on Retained Species Key relevant information: Management of the spiny lobster fisheries in the Bahamas has been variable in the success at maintaining a stable population. Lobster populations are protected through the use of specific seasons to protect breeding females, gear restrictions, and limited entry into the fishery. Research about the stock and impacts on other species has been limited for Caribbean spiny lobsters. While methods for enforcement of existing regulations have been established, compliance with the regulations can be improved. Regionally, IUU is a large concern and is likely impacting the fishery in the Bahamas. It is believed that 36% of all landings are illegal or unreported (Medley & Gittens 212). Normally such a high percentage of IUU would result in a critical ranking and a recommendation of avoid, however, it is believed that much of this IUU is legally landed lobster entering the local markets and the concern is with monitoring of catches rather than enforcement of regulations (although there are still significant concerns over enforcement). A lobster Fisheries Improvement Project (FIP) aimed at bringing the Bahamian spiny lobster fishery up to Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification standards was initiated in 21 (CRFM 211a).Overall, the management of the spiny lobster fisheries in the Bahamas is ranked yellow. Detailed Rationale: Management Strategy and Implementation: Effective The primary agency in charge of fisheries regulation is the Bahamas Department of Marine Resources. The Department of Marine Resources regulates the Caribbean spiny lobster fishery under the Fisheries Act. The law establishes minimum size limits (carapace length greater than mm), a regulated fishing season (closed between April 1 and July 31), and a prohibition on capture, possession, and/or sale of egg-carrying (or berried) females (CRFM 211a, FAO 21). The Bahamas fishery is limited solely to nationals and permits are required for the use of traps and of hookahs in diving (CRFM 211a). Despite the declining trend in stock abundance, there have been no significant changes in the management. Recovery of Stocks of Concern: Effective Currently, the Department of Fisheries still considers the spiny lobster stock to be in good condition despite declining landings. However, they have initiated a fisheries improvement

23 23 project to bring the stock into compliance with the Marine Stewardship Council s certification standards (CRFM 211a). Scientific Research and Monitoring: Ineffective Over the years, the data collection system for the Bahamian fishery has improved, but there is still more that needs to be done (FAO 21). As there is no data collection or monitoring of landings, 36% of the landings are believed to be unreported (Medley & Gittens 212). There is still a large amount of uncertainty related to the stock status. Export data is the most commonly collected and used information. Additionally, the CRFM maintains a technical unit dedicated to collecting and providing relevant data to member countries. Scientific Advice: Effective The Fisheries Department maintains that the stock status is still in good condition despite some information indicating declining status. While the minimum size limits do indicate that management measures are following advice related to lobster maturity, the lack of additional controls related to mortality indicate otherwise. Enforcement: Ineffective Fisheries inspectors from the Bahamian government are charged with enforcing management regulations. The Bahamas Fisheries Resource Act allows the detainment and seizure of vessels if there is reason to believe there is IUU (Fisheries Resource Conservation Act 1977). Enforcement has resulted in successful prosecutions and provided a deterrent to illegal fishing. Despite this, there is significant room for improving enforcement with 36% of all landings believed to come from illegal or unreported landings. Recent agreements with the Dominican Republic to reduce poaching suggest management is working on improving the system. Track Record: Effective The Caribbean spiny lobster fishery in the Bahamas has been fairly stable for the last several decades. While there is some indication of recent declines, overall the management measures have been fairly effective at maintaining the stock abundance over time. Stakeholder Inclusion: Highly Effective The recent efforts of developing the FIP have seen unprecedented cooperation in terms of time, manpower, advice and funding, to varying extents, from various groups including the private sector, government, NGOs including The Nature Conservancy and the World Wildlife Fund, and fishermen (CRFM 211a). As such, it appears the management process is working hard to obtain stakeholder input. Factor 3.2 Management of Fishing Impacts on Bycatch Species Key relevant information: The spiny lobster fisheries in the Bahamas do not have any specific regulations designed to manage and mitigate the fishing impacts on bycatch species. Lobster traps must meet particular slat spacing requirements to allow the release of undersized lobsters and potential

24 24 bycatch below a certain size. However, as the total discard rate for the lobster fisheries is generally between 8% and15%, it is unlikely any one species comprises more than 5% of the catch and is significantly impacted. Detailed Rationale: Management Strategy and Implementation: Effective Currently, the Bahamas Fisheries Department does not maintain any specific regulations directed at managing and mitigating the impacts on bycatch species. However, the more common capture method is diving with the use of casitas. As such, there is minimal incidental catch. Scientific Research and Monitoring: Effective There is little data aside from landings records related to other retained species, but there is a study underway to look at this (pers. comm. Gittens 213). Scientific Advice: Effective Little research has been performed about the impacts of the fishery on other species, but the efforts to bring the fishery up to MSC standards indicate they would react to scientific advice. Enforcement: Ineffective Fisheries inspectors from the Bahamian government are charged with enforcing management regulations. The Bahamas Fisheries Resource Act allows the detainment and seizure of vessels if there is reason to believe there is IUU (Fisheries Resource Conservation Act 1977). Enforcement has resulted in successful prosecutions and provided a deterrent to illegal fishing. Despite this, there is significant room for improving enforcement with 36% of all landings believed to come from illegal or unreported landings. Recent agreements with the Dominican Republic to reduce poaching suggest management is working on improving the system. Belize Factor 3.1 Management of Fishing Impacts on Retained Species Key relevant information: Management of the spiny lobster fisheries in Belize has been variable in its success at maintaining a stable population. Lobster populations are protected through the use of specific seasons to protect breeding females, gear restrictions, and limited entry into the fishery. Research about the stock and impacts to other species have been limited for Caribbean spiny lobsters. Many regulations are not often enforced. Despite prohibitions, undersized lobsters make up almost 1% of landings. Overall, the management of the spiny lobster fisheries in Belize is ranked red. Detailed Rationale: Management Strategy and Implementation: Effective

25 25 The primary agency in charge of fisheries regulation is the Belize Fisheries Department. The law establishes minimum size limits (carapace length greater than 76.2 mm), a regulated fishing season (closed between February 15 and June 14), and a prohibition on capture, possession, and/or sale of egg-carrying (or berried) females (CRFM 211a, FAO 21). Additionally, the Belize fishery prohibits the use of spearguns, hookah, SCUBA and explosives, and prohibits lobster fishing in marine reserves and the forereef (CRFM 211a). Despite the declining lobster landings, there have been no significant changes in the management. Recovery of Stocks of Concern: Ineffective Currently, the stock is considered overfished with overfishing occurring and, as such, is a stock of concern. There are currently no plans in place to improve the fisheries (FAO 27). Scientific Research and Monitoring: Effective There are significant gaps in the data related to the stock abundance; Fisheries Department staff has analyzed the fishery based on fishery-dependent data from past years (Gongora 21). Current information is lacking though. Joint collaboration with the CRFM and OSPESCA has helped to increase the technical expertise (Gongora 21). Scientific Advice: Ineffective The Fisheries Department staff has recommended changes to the current management system that would reduce entry and effort in the fishery (Gongora 21). However, there is little indication these recommendations have been or are being acted upon. Further, the minimum size limit has not been set to protect immature individuals (FAO 21). Enforcement: Ineffective IUU fishing is a major problem and is often linked to illegal and unreported intraregional trade (Chakalall and Cochrane 27). Additionally, there is little enforcement and weak compliance of existing management measures (Chakalall and Cochrane 27). Track Record: Ineffective The track record is uncertain, but as the landings have declined over the last decade current management measures are not entirely capable of maintaining the stock Stakeholder Inclusion: Highly Effective The lobster fishery in Belize is mostly small-scale through five fishing cooperatives (CRFM 211a). The cooperatives play a key role in providing catch and effort data to the Belize Fisheries Department (Gongora 21). Additionally, regular meetings are held with the cooperatives to maintain communication and interactions about important fishery issues (Gongora 21). As such, it appears the management works hard to obtain stakeholder input. Factor 3.2 Management of Fishing Impacts on Bycatch Species Key relevant information: The spiny lobster fishery in Belize does not have any specific regulations designed to manage and mitigate the fishing impacts on bycatch species. However, as the total discard rate for the

26 26 lobster fisheries is generally between 8% and15% for trap fisheries, and even less for diving fisheries, it is unlikely any one species comprises more than 5% of the catch and is significantly impacted. Detailed Rationale: Management Strategy and Implementation: Effective Currently, the Belize Fisheries Department does not maintain any specific regulations directed at managing and mitigating the impacts on bycatch species. However, the common capture methods with hooks and/or diving with the use of casitas result in minimal incidental catch. Scientific Research and Monitoring: Effective There is little data, aside from landings records, related to other retained species. Scientific Advice: Highly Effective Little research has been performed about the impacts of the fishery on other species, but the efforts to maintain protected areas indicate acknowledgement of the potential issues and the need to protect important areas. Enforcement: Ineffective IUU fishing is a major problem and is often linked to illegal and unreported intraregional trade (Chakalall and Cochrane 27). Further, there is little enforcement and weak compliance of existing management measures (Chakalall and Cochrane 27). Brazil Factor 3.1 Management of Fishing Impacts on Retained Species Key relevant information: Management of the spiny lobster fisheries in Brazil has significant challenges, including a lack of data to accurately assess the stock and severe limitations in enforcing existing regulations. Regulations exist to protect lobster populations through the use of specific seasons, a minimum size, and gear restrictions. IUU fishing is a major problem and is often linked to the use of illegal gears and unreported local trade of undersized and/or illegally caught lobsters (Chakalall and Cochrane 27), with approximately 1% to 3% of the total landings in the Brazilian spiny lobster fishery being undersized (FAO/WCAFC 26). In January 212, an MSC pre-assessment was conducted as the precursor to a fisheries improvement project supported by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and Sustainable Fisheries Fund (SFF), and coordinated in the field by CeDePesca (Center for Development and Sustainable Fisheries) to eventually reduce IUU (Scharer pers. comm. 212). As a result of the pre-assessment, several weaknesses were highlighted and a work plan was approved to address such gaps. Additionally, the exporters association of Ceara (SINDIFRIO) entered in an FIP agreement with CeDePesca in order to work together to achieve the MSC seal, and several communities are in the process of implementing a legal catch verification system in order to improve the incentive for best practices. Nevertheless, beyond these encouraging activities, the management of the spiny lobster

27 27 fisheries in Brazil is considered critical due to the high proportion of landings from illegal gears and of undersized lobsters. Factor 3.2 Management of Fishing Impacts on Bycatch Species Key relevant information: The spiny lobster fishery in Brazil does not have any specific regulations designed to manage and mitigate the fishing impacts on bycatch species. Further, with the high incidences of IUU the typical discard rate for the lobster fishery is likely higher than normal. The general lack of information available about the impacts to the spiny lobster and other species requires improved management. Detailed Rationale: Management Strategy and Implementation: Effective Currently, the Brazil Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture does not maintain any specific regulations directed at managing and mitigating the impacts on bycatch species, however, bycatch associated with trap fisheries is generally low. Scientific Research and Monitoring: Ineffective There is very little data collection related to other retained species. Scientific Advice: Effective Little research has been performed about the impacts of the fishery on other species. Enforcement: Ineffective IUU fishing is a major problem and is often linked to the use of illegal gears and unreported local trade of undersized and/or illegally caught lobsters (Chakalall and Cochrane 27). Additionally, there is little enforcement and weak compliance of existing management measures (Chakalall and Cochrane 27). Honduras Factor 3.1 Management of Fishing Impacts on Retained Species Key relevant information: Management of the spiny lobster fishery in Honduras has significant challenges, including a lack of data to accurately assess the stock and severe limitations in enforcing existing regulations. Regulations exist to protect lobster populations through the use of specific seasons, a minimum size, and gear restrictions. However, these regulations are not often enforced and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing is extremely common. IUU fishing is a major problem and is often linked to illegal and unreported intraregional trade (Chakalall and Cochrane 27). It is believed that import regulations in the US prohibit much of the IUU sourced lobsters from entering the country, however, there is no conclusive evidence. Further, there is little enforcement and weak compliance of existing management measures (Chakalall and Cochrane 27). Approximately 3% of the spiny lobster landings are of illegal size (Ehrhardt et al 211),