it settles out, molts, and begins juvenile development. Pueruli arrive 

 predominantly during the new moon and first quarter (dark) phases of lunar 

 months. In Florida, lobsters spawn year-round, but peak in the spring. 



Juveniles . Growth of juvenile lobsters averages 3-5 mm per month until 

 maturity (70-90 mm). Major estuaries (Biscayne Bay, Florida Bay) are the 

 principal juvenile nursery areas for Southwest Florida's spiny lobster popu- 

 lation. Juveniles initially take up residence in fouling assemblages or grass 

 beds, aggregating in rocky dens as they attain sizes of about 35 mm CL (cara- 

 pace length). As the juveniles grow, they move to deeper parts of the nursery 

 area and migrate to seaward reefs when they near maturity (70-90 mm). 



Adults . Most lobsters mature when 85-95 mm CL, and about 3+ years of 

 age. A stable, unfished population consists principally of lobsters 100 mm CL 

 or greater. 



Diet . Larvae feed largely upon zooplankton, but pueruli are not known to 

 feed. Juveniles and adults are omnivores, feeding principally upon mollusks 

 and small crustaceans. 



Predators . Larvae and postlarvae are eaten by pelagic fishes such as 

 small tuna. Juveniles and adults are preyed upon by octopus and fishes, 

 particularly groupers. 



Management considerations . State laws specify fishing methods and 

 practices (e.g., trap design and buoy markings) which include a minimum size 

 of 76 mm (3 inches) CL and a closed season during the major spawning period 

 (1 April through 24 July). A special two-day sport fishing season (20-21 July) 

 is allowed. Sport bag limits are imposed during the regular and special 

 fishing seasons. 



Preparation of a Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for the South Atlantic and 

 Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Councils (promulgated by the latter) to 

 regulate the spiny lobster fishery in the Fishery Conservation Zone is nearly 

 complete and may become effective by FY 81-82. Management options selected 

 for the FMP differ little from those already in effect in Florida. 



The Florida spiny lobster fishery is currently overinvested in traps, 

 boats, and fishermen. Recent estimates disclose that commercial production 

 (4 million to 6 million lb annually) could be maintained with about one-third 

 to one-fifth of the current fishing intensity. 



The current illegal fishery for undersized lobsters ("shorts") may be 20% 

 to 50% as large as the legal catch. Such practices undoubtably reduce poten- 

 tial landings. 



Lobster growth is reduced by injury from sport and commercial fishing 

 practices because some of the growth energy is redirected to regeneration. 

 Reduction in lobster growth has been as great as 40% in areas where injury 

 rates are high (e.g., juvenile nursery areas such as Biscayne Bay), delaying 

 entry of juveniles into the fishery. Sport and commercial fishing sometimes 

 is widespread in areas abundant with juvenile lobsters, and injuries of the 

 juveniles probably reduce production potentials. 



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