Towards the rebuilding of spiny lobster stocks in Brazil: a review

What is it about?

Red and green spiny lobsters are the most important fishing resource in Brazil. In this study, we used the Monte Carlo model (CMSY) to estimate fisheries reference points based on annual lobster landings. Stocks were in recovery from 2012 to 2018, with a probability of 29%. In 2019, the stock size was capable of producing yields close to the maximum sustainable yield (5770 t), with a probability of 58.1%. We describe trends in landings and periods of overfishing and look into fishing effort, stocks, natural management strategies required to prevent negative impacts on lobster stocks. We also demonstrate that the closed season does in fact protect the main events of the lobster life cycle. Wider Caribbean lobster stocks are fully exploited or overfished. The recovery of stocks is likely to strengthen Brazil’s position on the international market. Responsible and efficient management should focus on life cycle studies and reliable monitoring of fishing data.

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