Population dynamics and sustainability of the spiny lobster (Panulirus meripurpuratus Giraldes & Smyth, 2016) fishery on the Amazon continental shelf

The assessment of fishery resources is key to the development of management strategies for exploited stocks. Analysis of specific parameters provides information regarding the state of the stock and indicators of exploitation levels. The aim of the present study was to analyse the growth and mortality parameters, as well as investigate the exploitation status, of Panulirus meripurpuratus caught on the Amazon coast, northern Brazil. Growth parameters and stock assessment were estimated using R with bootstrapping and FISAT II, based on cephalothorax length–distribution frequency. Specimens were collected by the commercial lobster fishery off the coast of the states of Pará and Amapá between 2001 and 2002. The results indicate that the P. meripurpuratus stock assessed is composed of individuals with low growth rates and high estimates of maximum asymptotic length, with relative longevity of 21.37 years. The exploitation rate was operating at near the maximum limit of sustainability in 2001 and 2002. This is the first estimate of the exploitation status of P. meripurpuratus on the Amazon coast. We strongly recommend new monitoring efforts and further studies to support the conservation and management of the spiny lobster stock.