Population Dynamics, Fishery, and Exploitation Status of Norway Lobster (Nephrops norvegicus) in Eastern Mediterranean

Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus) is one of the most valuable shellfish resources in Mediterranean and northeast Atlantic. Sustainable management its fishery require long-term scientific monitoring stocks. Population dynamics, fishery, exploitation status were studied over a long time series (between 2008 2014) semi enclosed gulf Easter (Pagasitikos Gulf). Sampling was carried out using commercial bottom trawl with codend mesh size 28 mm three different regions within Gulf. Sex identified macroscopically all individuals measured weighed. Growth Age groups investigated by analysis length–frequency distributions Carapace length (CL) for both sexes. Fishing, Natural Total Mortality, along Exploitation rate total stock estimated FiSAT software package. Females further examined classified based on their maturity stage at onset sexual Probit analysis. Temporal differences mean CL detected sexes, tendency lower values each year, respective increase Fishing Mortality Rate, indicating effects fishing pressure population. Size 32.6 mm, higher than official sizes creels (28 mm) gillnets (26 mm). According to analyses, local over-exploited, which should be taken under consideration regional policy makers.