Stock and population characteristics of the Indian rock lobster Panulirus homarus homarus (Linneaus, 1758) from Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, on the southern coast of India

Abstract

Stock parameters of the Indian rock lobster, Panulirus homarus homarus were estimated from the commercial landing data (2007) collected from Kanyakumari District on the southern coast of penninsular India. The estimated annual average landing of lobsters (2000-2011) in Tamil Nadu was 233.5±77.05 t. P. homarus homarus formed 47% of the total average lobster landing in Tamil Nadu. The stock showed two annual cohorts which is evident from two spawning peaks. Mortality parameters Z, M, F and exploitation rate E were estimated as 2.51, 0.67, 1.84 and 0.73, respectively using length converted catch curve method. Probability of capture Lc50 was 46.75 mm CL with Lc/L∞ = 0.39. The estimated Emax was 0.65. Growth parameters L∞ and K were estimated as 119.4 mm CL and 0.30 respectively. The Y/R and B/R were estimated as 0.39 and 2.23. Recruitment pattern for P. homarus homarus showed two cohorts which was represented by two recruitment peaks. The study revealed that P. homarus homarus from Kanyakumari District is overexploited and the decline in catch over the years suggests adoption of responsible fishing methods to sustain this high value coastal resource.