Spiny Lobster Panulirus argus. Florida Traps

Transcription

1 Spiny Lobster Panulirus argus Scandinavian Fishing Yearbook / Florida Traps April 21, 2013 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 This report covers wild-caught Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) fished with traps in and around Florida, in both state and federal waters. 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 Spiny Lobster Florida Traps Yellow 2.64 Sea Turtles Yellow, 2.24,1.68 Green 3.87 Yellow 2.74 GOOD ALTERNATIVE 2.62 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 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 Criterion 4: Impacts on the habitat and ecosystem Overall Recommendation Acknowledgements Appendix A: All Species Included in Assessment Appendix B: Review Schedule About Seafood Watch Guiding Principles... 31

4 4 Executive Summary The spiny lobster is a commercially and recreationally fished marine invertebrate. There are many species of spiny lobster located throughout the tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world. This report will provide information and recommendations for the Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) fished with traps in and around Florida, in both state and federal waters. 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 South America through Brazil. 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. The spiny lobster is moderately resilient to fishing pressure. They tend to mature fairly quickly (between 1-2 years at the earliest, though size is a better determination), compared to their life span (estimated between years). Mature spiny lobsters tend to spawn at least once a year and females can produce a maximum of 830 eggs per gram of body mass which can disperse widely. Comprehensive stock assessments were conducted in 2005 and 2010 and the Florida fishery seems to be experiencing steady landing rates. However, the stock status of Caribbean spiny lobster is essentially unknown. Fishing mortality follows a similar pattern to that of stock abundance, but is also essentially unknown as a result of the recruitment dependence of lobster fished in other Caribbean and Central American countries. The impact of the fishery on spiny lobster in Florida is deemed moderate. The most common non-targeted species caught in the lobster fisheries include various fin fish and crab species. However, the total discards rate for the lobster fisheries is generally between 8-15%. As such, it is unlikely any one species comprises more than 5% of the catch. Therefore the only group assessed under criterion 2 is sea turtles due to their conservation status, despite the fact they are entangled in trap lines in extremely low numbers. Sea turtles have a low resilience and most species are listed as endangered or threatened. There are very few interactions between turtles and the lobster fishery; a biological opinion (BO) on those interactions was issued in relation to the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic spiny lobster FMP. The BO found that the spiny lobster fishery has no population level effect on Loggerhead, Green, Hawksbill, Leatherback, or Kemp s ridley sea turtles. It should also be noted, the 8-15% discard rate includes captured invertebrates that are most often returned to the water alive, but does not include the bait used. Studies from other lobster fisheries globally have shown that volumes of bait used regularly exceed the volume of the target species landed, but that is not the case in the Florida lobster fishery. In the Florida lobster fishery live, undersized (and sometimes legal sized) lobster are used as an attractant for other lobsters in lieu of baiting the traps. Strips of salted cowhide are used as bait secondarily. Fish carcasses may be used at times but is not preferred for bait use due to the rapid disintegration within the traps. The use of undersize lobsters as attractants does exert up to 10% bycatch mortality. However, this is considered in the score for the stock status.

5 5 Management of the spiny lobster fishery in Florida has been effective at maintaining a relatively stable population over time. Lobster populations are protected through the use of closed areas, specific seasons to protect breeding females, gear restrictions, and limitations on the number of traps. The stock has been assessed fairly regularly, but latest assessments have identified a lack of confidence due to the reliance on recruitment from other populations in the Caribbean. Impacts on other species have been fairly limited to date. Enforcement of existing regulations has increased in recent years and results in punishments for illegal fishing and poaching. Overall, the spiny lobster fishery is a well managed fishery. The commercial spiny lobster fishery in Florida is almost entirely trap based (there is some commercial diving, however this is not considered within the scope of this report). Traps result in some damage to the benthic habitat but both state and federal waters off the coast of Florida maintain networks of various representative habitats protected from fishing. There are 60 areas closed for the specific reason of protecting Acropora coral species. The ecosystem impacts from the trap fishery are moderate.

6 6 Introduction Scope of the analysis and ensuing recommendation 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 with traps in and around Florida, in both state and federal waters. 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 South America through Brazil (Holthuis 1991, Figure 1). It should be noted the Caribbean spiny lobster may be composed of several 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 2005; SEDAR 2010). 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 20 different species occurring worldwide in tropical and subtropical waters (Pollack 1995). 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 0 to 90 meters, depending upon the species (Holthuis 1991). Juvenile lobsters usually spend their first few years in nearshore surf grass beds, clumps of red macroalgae and other areas with hard bottom substrate while adults favor rocky substrates and reefs; areas that provide protection

7 7 (Bertelsen et al 2009, GMFMC et al 2011b). Spiny lobsters tend to be nocturnal and migrate among depths depending upon the season, generally moving deeper in winter months (Holthius 1991). Several different species of spiny lobster support commercial fisheries worldwide. As previously mentioned, this report covers the Caribbean spiny lobster trap fishery in and around the state of Florida. The state of Florida also allows diving and the use of bully nets to commercially harvest spiny lobster. However, the estimated take by bully nets and diving is 1% and 6% respectively and these methods have little impact on additional species and the benthic habitat. As such, these methods are not analyzed in this report. In Florida state waters, the Caribbean spiny lobster fishery is managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC 2011). In federal waters, the spiny lobster is managed by the regional fishery management councils. Spiny lobster is regulated under a fishery management plan (FMP) through the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Fishery Management Councils (GMFMC and SAFMC) (GMFMC et al 2012). Although the Management Councils encompass the federal Economic Exclusive Zones along the states of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, there are currently no directed commercial spiny lobster fisheries in those states (NMFS 2009). Florida state regulations and the federal FMP are typically in line with one another. Key measures include a minimum size (3 inches carapace length), a 4-month closed season during the months of greatest reproductive activity, a prohibition on the take of egg-bearing females, as well as various gear restrictions and other measures designed to reduce discard and protect habitat (SEDAR 2010). In 1992, Florida adopted regulations instituting the Lobster Trap Certificate Program to reduce the number of traps in the fishery (Matthews and Williams 2000). The FMP was implemented in 1982 and has been amended several times over the years. A recent amendment, Amendment 10, became effective January 2012 and removed smoothtail spiny lobster, spotted spiny lobster, Spanish slipper lobster, and ridged slipper lobster from the FMP, established an annual catch limit (ACL) and accountability measures, revised permit requirements and conditions for landing, modified regulations for the use of undersize attractants, and authorized removal of derelict traps (NMFS 2011, FedReg 2011). Another amendment, Amendment 11, implemented in April 2012, closed 60 specific areas to protect Acropora coral species Production statistics. Landings from the Caribbean spiny lobster in the United States have varied over time, but the last ten years have oscillated around 2,000 metric tons, though 2010 landings increased to roughly 2,600 metric tons (NMFS 2012b, Figure 2). Changes in fishing pressure and patterns

8 8 may be responsible for some of the fluctuation of landings over time. For the last ten years, Florida was responsible for all Caribbean spiny lobster landings in the United States. The United States imports spiny lobster from countries around the world, including the Caribbean spiny lobster from several countries in the Caribbean, Central and South American. The landings from Brazil and the Bahamas are around 7,000 tons (FAO 2009). The landings from Belize have been fairly consistent around 600 tons (FAO 2009). Honduras and Nicaragua each saw a reduction in capture around the year 2000 and again recently. Landings from 2009 for Honduras and Nicaragua were 3,039 and 4,186 metric tons, respectively (FAO 2009). Figure 2. US Landings of Caribbean spiny lobster from , in metric tons. Figure compiled from data in NMFS 2012b. Importance to the US/North American market. Spiny lobsters are fished throughout the Caribbean and Mexico and imported in large numbers to the United States. The combined western Atlantic landings of the species were approximately 28,122 metric tons in 2008, while the US landings of spiny lobster comprised 5.6% of the regional landings (SEDAR 2010). Common and market names. Spiny lobsters, in general, are also known as rock lobsters. While known as spiny lobster, there

9 9 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 2011). Primary product forms. The Caribbean spiny lobster is marketed whole and sold live, cooked, and/or frozen. Tails are sold fresh and frozen.

10 10 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 resilience to fishing while accounting for scientific uncertainty, management uncertainty, and non-fishery impacts such as habitat degradation. Summary Stock Fishery Inherent Resilience Stock Status Fishing Mortality Criterion 1 Rank Rank (Score) Rank (Score) Rank Score Spiny Lobster Florida Traps Medium Unknown or Risk of Overfished (3) Unknown or Risk of Overfishing (2.33) Yellow 2.64 Justification of Ranking Factor 1.1 Inherent Resilience Key relevant information: According to the Seafood Watch PSA analysis, Caribbean spiny lobster appears to be of medium resilience.

11 11 Detailed rationale Lobster Factor Score Source Species Caribbean spiny lobster Average Age at Maturity Lengths at mm 1-2 Years 2 Maxwell et al 2009 Average Maximum years 2 Ehrhardt 2005 Age Reproductive Strategy Brooder 2 Ehrhardt 2005 SEDAR 2010 Density Dependence No density dependence suggested, but unknown - Behringer and Butler 2006 Score (mean of factor scores) 2 Medium Resilience Factor 1.2 Stock status Key relevant information: The biomass for spiny lobster in Florida is considered fairly stable, but due to recent reviews of existing models the stock is considered Unknown. It is likely the entire Caribbean spiny lobster population is Unknown due to the recruitment variability in the region and that populations may be locally overfished/depleted in other areas of the Caribbean (Ehrhardt 2000). Detailed rationale : Recent reviews of the stock assessments for spiny lobster in the Southeastern United States have shown a decreasing biomass but have ultimately rejected the latest model results and declared the stock status as unknown due to the uncertainties related to dependence upon external recruitment from the Caribbean populations (SEDAR 2010). Although catch data is available, stock assessments have not been performed for Honduras or Nicaragua since 1999 (Phillips, pers comms 2012). The 2006 assessment for the Brazilian stock indicated that biomass has decreased (Ehrhardt and Aragao 2006). There are also reports that local Florida spawning stock biomass, estimated from an age-structured sequential population analysis, has decreased since 1988 (Ehrhardt and Fitchett 2010). The overall uncertainties which have led regional management to reject the latest stock assessment results in an unknown stock status.

12 12 Figure 3. Biomass of Caribbean spiny lobster in southeastern US. Figure from SEDAR Factor 1.3 Fishing mortality Key relevant information: The latest review of the spiny lobster stock assessment for the southeastern US has established the F msy as unknown because long-term productivity cannot be estimated without further understanding of recruitment levels of spawning stock (SEDAR 2010). There is also a lack of data for the spiny lobster fisheries in other countries (FAO 2003). The fishing mortality is now classified as Unknown.

13 13 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. Summary Stock Inherent Resilience Stock Status Rank (Score) Rank Sea Turtles Low Endangered or threatened (1) Fishing Mortality Subscore Score (subscore*discard modifier) Rank (based on subscore) Rank (Score) Sustainable (5) Yellow The most common non-targeted species caught in the lobster fisheries include various fin fish and crab species. However, the total discard rate for lobster fisheries is generally between 8-15%. As such, it is unlikely any one species comprises more than 5% of the catch. Therefore the only group assessed under criterion 2 is sea turtles due to their conservation status, despite the fact they are entangled in low numbers. Sea turtles have a low resilience and most species are listed as endangered or threatened. There are very few interactions between turtles and the lobster fishery; a biological opinion (BO) on those interactions was issued in relation to the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic spiny lobster FMP. The BO found that the spiny lobster fishery has no population level effect on Loggerhead, Green, Hawksbill, Leatherback, or Kemp s ridley sea turtles. Justification of Ranking Factor 2.1 Inherent Resilience Sea Turtles Key relevant information: Low Resilience (Seafood Watch 2012)

14 14 Factor 2.2 Stock status Key relevant information: Sea turtles have the following status listings (NMFS 2009): Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) in U.S. waters listed as Threatened; Florida breeding population listed as Endangered. Hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) Endangered Kemp s ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) Endangered Leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) Endangered Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) Threatened Factor 2.3 Fishing mortality Key relevant information: The Biological Opinion prepared for the National Marine Fisheries Service for the continued authorization of spiny lobster fishing in the U.S. South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico Exclusive Economic Zones detailed the fishery-related mortality to sea turtles. Sea turtles are known to be adversely impacted by commercial lobster traps by entanglement and forced submergence (NMFS 2009). Turtles that are found and released alive may still die or suffer due to injuries that resulted from the entanglement. Loggerhead sea turtles may be particularly vulnerable due to their attraction for prey caught in the traps. Entanglements are common in Canadian waters where leatherbacks were entangled in fishing gear including salmon net, herring net, gillnet, trawl line and crab pot line (NMFS 2009). The BO used a variety of data, including that from the Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network on actual incidences within the Florida waters to estimate the specific threat the Caribbean spiny lobster fishery posed. Despite the potential threat, the impact from the lobster fishery does not reduce the likelihood of survival and recovery of Atlantic sea turtle populations. Detailed rationale: Table 1: Estimated Future 3-Year Take Estimates (from NMFS 2009) Marine Turtles Number of Takes Lethal or Non-Lethal Total Loggerhead 3 3 Green 3 3 Hawksbill 1* 1* Leatherback 1* 1* Kemp s ridley 1* 1* Factor 2.4 Overall discard rate Key relevant information: Total discard rates given in Shester and Micheli (2011) for spiny lobster trap fisheries are presented as 15%. Although this study refers to the California spiny lobster (P. interruptus)

15 15 fishery, rather than the Caribbean spiny lobster, it is possible the rates are quite similar. There is little information about the total discard rate in the Caribbean spiny lobster fishery. Most studies to date have been focused on comparing percentages of bycatch in various types of traps and not the impact to the ecosystem as a whole. However, Matthews et al (2005) did note that the number of fish that died in traps during observations over one season was quite small. Data from Shester and Micheli (2011) includes the invertebrates that are most often returned to the water alive, but does not include the bait used. 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 2009; Waddington and Meeuwig 2009), but that is not the case in the Florida lobster fishery. The Florida fishery permits the use of undersized lobsters (or shorts ) as attractants in traps (GMFMC et al. 2011). Strips of salted cowhide are used as bait secondarily and fish carcasses may be used at times but is not preferred for bait use due to the rapid disintegration within the traps (personal communication Gregory 2013). Studies have shown that traps baited with short lobsters catch more lobster than traps baited with any other method (Heatwole et al. 1988). Although there are measures in place to reduce mortality, the impacts of confinement may result in up to 10% mortality (Matthews 2001, pers comm Matthews 2013); however this is considered in the score for the stock status.

16 16 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 resilience 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: Retained Species Management: Non-retained species Criterion 3 Rank (Score) Rank (Score) Rank Score Florida Traps Excellent (5) Moderate (3) Green Fishery Critical? Mgmt strategy and implement. Recovery of stocks of concern Scientific Scientific research and advice monitoring Enforce. Track record Stakeholder inclusion Management of Retained Species Rank (Score) Florida Traps No Highly Effective Highly Effective Highly Effective Highly Effective Highly Effective Highly Effective Highly Effective Excellent (5) Fishery All Critical? Species Retained? Mgmt strategy and implement. Scientific Scientific research and advice monitoring Enforce. Management of bycatch species Rank (Score) Florida Traps No No Moderately Effective Moderately Effective Moderately Effective Highly Effective Moderate (3) Justification of Ranking Factor 3.1 Management of fishing impacts on retained species Key relevant information: Management of the spiny lobster fishery in Florida has been effective at maintaining a relatively stable population over time. Lobster populations are protected through the use of closed areas, a closed fishing season to protect breeding females, gear restrictions, and limitations on the number of traps. Research about the stock and impacts to other species have been fairly

17 17 limited to date. Enforcement of existing regulations is ongoing and results in punishments for illegal fishing and poaching. Overall, the spiny lobster fishery is a well managed fishery. Detailed rationale: Management Strategy and Implementation: Highly Effective Since the 1800s there has been a commercial spiny lobster trap fishery along the Florida coast. Regulations and laws regulating the spiny lobster in the state of Florida have been in place since the early 1900s, namely minimum size limits, a closed season, and the prohibition of taking berried females (FFWCC 2010). The spiny lobster fishery has been managed by a fishery management plan in the South and the Gulf of Mexico Management Council regions since 1982 (GMFMC and SAFMC 1982). The FMP largely extended Florida s regulations through the EEZ (GMFMC and SAFMC 1982). The FMP has been amended 11 times over the years, usually to adjust the FMP to be more compatible with the regulations of the state (GMFMC et al 2011a). Current regulations include gear restrictions, minimum size restrictions, closed areas, a seasonal closure, and a prohibition on the take of berried females (GMFMC et al 2011a). A permit is required to take spiny lobsters commercially and as of 1992, the State of Florida instituted a Lobster Trap Certificate Program to reduce the number of traps in the fishery (Matthews and Williams 2000). FMP Amendment 10 (2011) established annual catch limits and targets for the combined recreational and commercial fishery (7.32 million lb. whole weight and 6.59 million lb, respectively) and modified regulations regarding the use of under-sized lobsters as bait (FedReg 2011). The most recent FMP Amendment (11) closes additional areas to lobster fishing in order to protect threatened coral species (GMFMC et al 2011a). Recovery of stocks of concern: Highly Effective As noted in Criterion 2, there is potential for sea turtles to be impacted by the spiny lobster fishery, but these impacts are indirect and NMFS (2009) has found that the lobster fishery does not jeopardize the overall sea turtle population. There are no other stocks of concern specifically impacted by the lobster fishery, as the lobster population itself appears stable and no other species is caught in significant numbers. Scientific Research and Monitoring: Highly Effective The spiny lobster fishery is assessed through the SEDAR (Southeast Data, Assessment and Review), which is a process developed by the Southeast Fisheries Science Center and the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council to improve the quality and reliability of stock assessments and to ensure a robust and independent peer review of stock assessment products (SEDAR 2005). In 2003, SEDAR expanded to include all three southeast Councils (South Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean) and to review assessments developed through the Atlantic and Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commissions and state agencies. The latest SEDAR assessment was developed using fishery dependent data (landings, CPUE, etc.), fishery independent observer programs, and some of the latest research regarding genetic stock (SEDAR 2010). This information is applied to statistical assessment models (the Integrated Catch-at-Age (ICA) model and a Modified DeLury model) to determine mortality rates and

18 18 biomass (SEDAR 2010). Despite, the rigorous scientific review and application of the models, there were sufficient concerns with the performance of the two models used to reject the assessment results and conclude the stock status of spiny lobster in the southeast US is essentially unknown (NMFS 2009). Scientific Advice: Highly Effective Management in the past has adjusted regulations in response to various cues (decline in landings, assessment results, and/or other impacts). However, the latest stock assessment that determined the recruitment stock is essentially unknown has not resulted in more restrictive measures largely because landing has remained relatively stable. Enforcement: Highly Effective The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission maintain a law enforcement division which is charged with enforcing state and federal fisheries and wildlife laws (FFWC 2012). The Fishery Management Councils (South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico) do not have any specific law enforcement authority, but occasionally provide recommendations and guidance regarding law enforcement issues. Additionally, NOAA Office for Law Enforcement works closely with the U.S. Coast Guard to enforce federal regulations within the EEZs and have been successful in prosecuting several cases of illegal lobster harvest in Florida (NMFS 2012). Track Record: Highly Effective While spiny lobster fishing has been occurring in and around Florida since the 1800s, the landings began to rise dramatically following the Second World War until about 1975 when the Bahamian waters were closed to foreign fishermen (NMFS 2012, Hunt 2000). Since 1975, lobster landings have fluctuated without a distinct trend (with the exception of lower harvests tending to occur in El Nino years (Hunt 2000)). Landings over the most recent five years have averaged around five million pounds, which is a decline from the period of (GMFMC et al 2012). The Lobster Trap Certificate Program was enacted in 1992 and while the program did not result in a decline in landing by the fishing season (Matthews and Williams 2000), the relatively stable lower landings in the 2000s may be a reflection of the Program. However, the current biomass is unknown due to three main factors: the mortality effects of the PaV1 lobster virus on juvenile lobster recruitment, a non-year-specific age-length key used in current models, and the fraction of recruitment derived from upstream spawning biomass (SEDAR 2010). Despite the large number of unknowns, management measures, to date, have generally resulted in the long-term maintenance of stock abundance and productivity. Stakeholder inclusion: Highly Effective The management of spiny lobster stock in Florida is transparent and includes stakeholder input. Stakeholders are an important part of the Fishery Management Plan process. With every amendment proposed to the FMP, or new rules and regulations proposed in the state of Florida, stakeholder input is heavily sought. The most recent proposed amendment to the FMP (11) will not include changes to trap line markings as a result of stakeholder input, among other factors (NMFS 2012a).

19 19 Factor 3.2 Management of fishing impacts on bycatch species Key relevant information: The spiny lobster fishery in and around Florida 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 lobster fisheries is generally between 8-15% it is unlikely any one species comprises more than 5% of the catch and is significantly impacted. Bycatch is minimized as best possible by lobster fishermen as lobster traps containing bycatch of any species generally contain less lobster (Matthews et al 2005). Detailed rationale: Management Strategy and Implementation: Moderately Effective Currently, the FFWC and the GMFMC do not maintain any specific regulations directed at managing and mitigating the impacts on bycatch species, although impacts on non-target species are not a major concern in this fishery. Scientific Research and Monitoring: Moderately Effective The SEDAR process includes many different species and distributes information broadly and the FFWC observer program is intended to aid in the evaluation of bycatch (SEDAR 2005). Otherwise, there is little data aside from logbook data related to other retained species. Scientific Advice: Moderately Effective Little research has been performed about the impacts of the fishery on other species, but the history of the FFWC and Fishery Management Councils to respond to the information that is available indicates they would react to scientific advice and this has therefore been scored as highly effective. Enforcement: Highly Effective The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission law enforcement division and the NOAA Office for Law Enforcement, with the U.S. Coast Guard, are charged with patrolling and enforcing current regulations which would include illegal possession of various species. Beyond this, there is no additional enforcement related specifically to bycatch species.

20 20 Criterion 4: Impacts on the habitat and ecosystem Guiding principles The fishery is conducted such that impacts on the seafloor are minimized and the ecological and functional roles of seafloor habitats are maintained. Fishing activities should not seriously reduce ecosystem services provided by any fished species or result in harmful changes such as trophic cascades, phase shifts or reduction of genetic diversity. Summary Fishery Gear type and substrate Mitigation of gear impacts EBFM Criterion 4 Rank (Score) Rank (Score) Rank (Score) Rank Score Florida Traps Moderate-to-severe Moderate mitigation Moderate (3) Yellow Justification Traps Factor 4.1 Impact of the fishing gear on the substrate Key relevant information: Spiny lobsters are generally found on rocky substrates and reefs, or wherever protection and shelter can be found (Holthuis 1991). As such, traps are deployed in a variety of habitats including on rocky reefs and coral as well as in sand and seagrass areas. For this reason, the trap fisheries are deemed Moderate to Severe. Detailed rationale: The impact of the traps on benthic habitat is variable across the fishery. The spiny lobster fishery in Florida has recently implemented 60 closed areas in federal waters to protect Acropora coral species from traps (GMFMC et al 2012). Factor 4.2 Modifying factor: Mitigation of fishing gear impacts Key relevant information: As a result of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS), there are ecological reserves and sanctuary preservation areas that are closed to all fishing and as a result prohibit spiny lobster fishing (NFMS 2009). The take of spiny lobsters is also prohibited in the Everglades

21 21 National Park, Dry Tortugas National Park, and the Card Sound Biscayne Bay Sanctuary. Additionally, there are 60 other areas recently closed in order to protect coral (Acropora species). As such, Moderate Mitigation is in place for these fisheries. Detailed rationale: There are currently several sanctuary preservation areas and ecological reserves within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) intended to preserve discrete, biologically important areas that help sustain critical marine species and habitats (figure 4) (FKNMS 2011) Further, FKNMS regulations prohibit the operation of a vessel in such a manner that will injure coral, as well as anchoring on live coral in water depths less than 40 ft when the bottom can be seen [15CFR (i) and (ii)] (NMFS 2009). Additionally, Final Amendment 11 to the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic FMP closed 60 areas to specifically protect Acropora spp. (GMFMC et al 2012).

22 22 Figure 4. Map of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary protected areas. From FKNMS 2012

23 23 Factor 4.3 Ecosystem and Food Web Considerations Key relevant information: While sea turtles may occasionally be impacted by the fishery, the Biological Opinion (NMFS 2009) prepared for the National Marine Fisheries Service for the continued authorization of spiny lobster fishing in the U.S. South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico Exclusive Economic Zones found the impact from the lobster fishery does not reduce the likelihood of survival and recovery of Atlantic sea turtle populations. The spiny lobster management scheme does not hinder sea turtles from fulfilling their ecological role. Additionally, there are policies in place to protect ecosystem functioning (marine reserves, See Figure 4). For these reasons, management of the ecosystem and food web impacts of the fishery is deemed Moderate.

24 24 Overall Recommendation Final Score = geometric mean of the four Scores (Criterion 1, Criterion 2, Criterion 3, Criterion 4). The overall recommendation for the fishery is calculated as follows: Best Choice = Final score 3.2 and scores for Criteria 1, 3 and 4 are all 2.2 and Criterion 2 subscore 2.2 Some Concerns = Final score 2.2 and Criterion and (Final score 3.2 or scores for Criteria 1 &4 2.2 or Criterion 2 subscore 2.2) - Red= Final score < 2.2 or score for Criterion 3 < 2.2 or any one criterion has a critical score or two or more of the following are < 2.2: Criterion 1 score, Criterion 2 subscore, Criterion 4 score 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 Spiny Lobster Florida Traps Yellow 2.64 Sea Turtles Yellow, 2.24,1.68 Green 3.87 Yellow 2.74 GOOD ALTERNATIVE 2.62

25 25 Acknowledgements Scientific review does not constitute an endorsement of the Seafood Watch program, or its seafood recommendations, on the part of the reviewing scientists. Seafood Watch is solely responsible for the conclusions reached in this report. Seafood Watch would like to thank Doug Gregory, Florida Sea Grant Marine Agent, and one anonymous reviewer for graciously reviewing this report for scientific accuracy.

26 26 References Bertelsen, R. D. and T. R. Matthews Fecundity dynamics of female spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) in a south Florida fishery and Dry Tortugas National Park lobster sanctuary. Marine and Freshwater Research 52: Bertelsen, R.D., Butler, M.J., Herrkind, W.F. and Hunt, J.H Regional characterization of hardbottom nursery habitat for juvenile Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) using rapid assessment techniques. New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research. 43: Behringer, D.C. and M.J. Butler IV Density-dependent population dynamics in juvenile Panulirus argus (Latreille): The impact of artificial density enhancement. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 334: Crawford, D. R. and W. J. J. De Smidt The spiny lobster, Panulirus argus, of southern Florida: Its natural history and utilization. United States Bulletin of the Bureau of Fisheries 38: Ehrhardt, N.M The Atlantic spiny lobster resources of Central America. In Spiny Lobsters: Fisheries and Culture, 2 nd Edition, B.F. Phillips and J. Kittakka, eds. Fishing News Books/Blackwell Science Ehrhardt, N.M Population dynamic characteristics and sustainability mechanisms in key Western Central Atlantic spiny lobster, Panulirus argus, fisheries. Bulletin of Marine Science. 76(2): Ehrhardt, N.M. and J.A. Negreiros Aragão Executive Summary Brazil spiny lobster P. argus fishery Results of a Regional FAO Workshop on the Assessment and Management of the Caribbean Spiny Lobster (Panulirus Argus). Mérida, México September 2006 Ehrhardt, N.M. and M.D. Fitchett Dependence of recruitment on parent stock of the spiny lobster, Panulirus argus, in Florida. Fisheries Oceanography. 19(6): FAO Report of the second Workshop on the Management of Caribbean Spiny Lobster Fisheries in the WECAFC Area. Havana, Cuba, 30 September - 4 October FAO Fisheries Report No Rome, 273p. Available at: FAO Fishery and Aquaculture Statistics. Capture Production. Lobster, spiny-rock lobsters. p 335. Statistics via Federal Register Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Spiny Lobster Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic; Amendment 10 Final Rule 76 Federal Register 232 (2 December 2011), pp FFWCC Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission Law Enforcement web page. Accessed on 23 June Available at: FFWCC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) Spiny Lobster In Florida s Inshore and Nearshore Species: 2010 Status and Trends Report, pp FFWCC Commercial Saltwater Regulations July p. Available at: FKNMS Marine Zones within Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary webpage. Last updated December Available at: Gregory, D Executive Director. Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council. Personal communications in 2013 Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council and South Atlantic Fishery Management Council Fishery Management Plan, Environmental Impact Statement, and Regulatory Review for Spiny Lobster in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic. March 1982

27 27 Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, NOAA Final Amendment 11 to the Fishery Management Plan for Spiny Lobster in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic. Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement. April 2012 Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, NOAA. 2011b. Final Amendment 10 to the Fishery Management Plan for Spiny Lobster in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Including Final Environmental Impact Statement, Regulatory Impact Review, and Regulatory Flexibility Act Analysis. August 2011 Harnish, L. and J.H. Martin Willison Efficiency of bait usage in the Nova Scotia lobster fishery: a first look. Journal of Cleaner Production 17(3): Heatwole, D.W., J.H. Hunt, and F.S. Kennedy, Jr Catch efficiencies of live lobster decoys and other attractants in the Florida spiny lobster fishery. Florida Marine Resources Publication pages. Holthuis, L.B FAO species catalogue. Vol. 13. Marine lobsters of the world. An annotated and illustrated catalogue of species of interest to fisheries known to date. FAO Fisheries Synopsis. No. 125, Vol. 13. Rome, FAO p. Accessed via: Hunt, J.H Status of the fishery for Panulirus argus in Florida. In Spiny Lobsters: Fisheries and Culture, 2 nd Edition, B.F. Phillips and J. Kittakka, eds. Fishing News Books/Blackwell Science Lewis, C.F., Slade, S.L., Maxwell, K.E., and Matthews, T.R Lobster trap impact on corla reefs: effects of wind-driven trap movement. New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater research. 43: Matthews. T.R Associate Research Scientist, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute. Personal communications on 1 April 2013 Matthews, T.R and T.Williams Effect of Regulations on harvest in Florida s spiny lobster fishery. In: Proceedings of the Fifty First Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute. Pp Matthews, T.R. 2001, Trap induced mortality of the spiny lobster, Panulirus argus, in Florida, USA. Marine Freshwater Research. 52: Matthews, T.R., Cox, C., Eaken, D Bycatch in Florida's Spiny Lobster trap fishery. -In: 47 Proceedings of the Forty Seventh Annual Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute. -- pp Fort Pierce, Florida USA, 2005 Matthews, T.R., Maxwell, K.E., Bertelsen, R.D., and Derby, C.D Use of neurolipofuscin to determine age structure and growth rates of Caribbean spiny lobster Panulirus argus in Florida, United States. New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research. 43: Maxwell, K.E., Matthews, T.R., Bertelsen, R.D. and Derby, C.D New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research 43: National Marine Fisheries Service Endangered Species Act Section 7 Consultation on the Continued Authorization of the Gulf of Mexico/South Atlantic Spiny Lobster Fishery. Biological Opinion, August 27. National Marine Fisheries Service NOAA Fisheries Service Announces New Regulations for Spiny Lobster in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Small Entity Compliance Guide. Southeast Fishery Bulletin. 2 December FB National Marine Fisheries Service. 2012a. NOAA Fisheries Service Seeks Public Comment on Amendment 11 for Spiny Lobster in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Comment Period Ends June 26, Southeast Fishery Bulletin. 27 April FB National Marine Fisheries Service. 2012b. Personal communication from the National Marine Fisheries Service, Fisheries Statistics Division, Silver Spring, M.

28 28 NOAA NMFS FishWatch. Available at: Phillips, B Personal communications. 7 March 2012 Pollack, D.E Evolution of Life-history patterns in three genera of spiny lobsters. Bulletin of Marine Science. 57(2): SEDAR Stock assessment report of SEDAR 8 Southeastern US Spiny Lobster, SEDAR8 Assessment Report 3. Charleston, SC. 319 pages SEDAR SEDAR 8 Update Spiny Lobster Stock Assessment 2010 (2010 Update Assessment). GMFMC/SAFMC/SEDAR Update Assessment Workshop, November 18-19, Key West, Florida. 129 pages Shester, G.G. and F. Micheli Conservation challenges for small-scale fisheries: Bycatch and habitat impacts of traps and gillnets. Biological Conservation 144: Waddington, K.I. and J.J.Meeuwig Contribution of bait to lobster production in an oligotrophic marine ecosystem as determine d using a mas balance model. Fisheries Research 99: 1-6

29 29 Appendix A: All Species Included in Assessment This table presents a first filter of all species caught in all fisheries assessed in this report. Stocks in blue are those for which this report provides a recommendation. A full assessment of each of these species can be found in Criterion 1. Species in red are those which likely score most poorly of the remaining species and so are fully evaluated under Criterion 2. The assessment text for only the lowest scoring species(s) is presented in the Criterion 2 section of this report. The assessment text for other low scoring species is provided in Appendix B. Species in black are those for which there is no recommendation provided and there is no particular concern over their status. They are not assessed further in this report. Species/Stock Fishbase vulnerability score (fish only) B/BMSY and/or mgmt classification F/FMSY and/or mgmt classification Fishery Specific Fishing Mortality (optional) Sources Spiny Lobster Medium resilience Unknown Unknown SEDAR 2010 Spider Crab Medium Unknown Unknown resilience Grunt Medium Unknown Unknown resilience Urchins Medium Unknown Unknown resilience Stone Crab Medium Unknown Unknown resilience Sea Turtles Low resilience threatened NMFS 2009 Appendix B: Review Schedule The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute is in the process of publishing estimates for mortality of lobsters in lost traps (i.e. ghost fishing). New studies should be available in another year or so (pers comm Matthews, T.R. 2013).

30 30 About Seafood Watch Monterey Bay Aquarium s Seafood Watch program evaluates the ecological sustainability of wild-caught and farmed seafood commonly found in the United States marketplace. Seafood Watch defines sustainable seafood as originating from sources, whether wild-caught or farmed, which can maintain or increase production in the long-term without jeopardizing the structure or function of affected ecosystems. Seafood Watch makes its science-based recommendations available to the public in the form of regional pocket guides that can be downloaded from The program s goals are to raise awareness of important ocean conservation issues and empower seafood consumers and businesses to make choices for healthy oceans. Each sustainability recommendation on the regional pocket guides is supported by a Seafood Report. Each report synthesizes and analyzes the most current ecological, fisheries and ecosystem science on a species, then evaluates this information against the program s conservation ethic to arrive at a recommendation of Best Choices, Good Alternatives or Avoid. The detailed evaluation methodology is available upon request. In producing the Seafood Reports, Seafood Watch seeks out research published in academic, peer-reviewed journals whenever possible. Other sources of information include government technical publications, fishery management plans and supporting documents, and other scientific reviews of ecological sustainability. Seafood Watch Research Analysts also communicate regularly with ecologists, fisheries and aquaculture scientists, and members of industry and conservation organizations when evaluating fisheries and aquaculture practices. Capture fisheries and aquaculture practices are highly dynamic; as the scientific information on each species changes, Seafood Watch s sustainability recommendations and the underlying Seafood Reports will be updated to reflect these changes. Parties interested in capture fisheries, aquaculture practices and the sustainability of ocean ecosystems are welcome to use Seafood Reports in any way they find useful. For more information about Seafood Watch and Seafood Reports, please contact the Seafood Watch program at Monterey Bay Aquarium by calling Disclaimer Seafood Watch strives to have all Seafood Reports reviewed for accuracy and completeness by external scientists with expertise in ecology, fisheries science and 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. Seafood Watch and Seafood Reports are made possible through a grant from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation.