POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS AND CO-OCCURRENCE OF THREE EXPLOITED DECAPODS {PANUURUS ARGUS, P. GUTTATUS and MITHRAX SPINOSISSIMUS) IN BOCAS DEL TORO, PANAMA

Spiny lobster populations within the Bocas del Toro archipelago appear lo be ovcrexploiicd. Extensive visual surveys over a wide area of reef habitat down to 20 m in depth indicate mean lobster abundance, si/cs. and percent maturity levels for both Paniilinix argu.% and P. guiiaiux below other areas in the region. The almost complete absence of cgg-bcaring female lobsters may have serious implications for local production and recruitment and emphasizes the need for revision of management strategies for these populations, which arc critical to the socio-economic wcllbcing of local artisanal fishers and their dependent communities. An increase in the minimum carapace length for P. argus from 60-88 mm may allow protection for most juveniles. The implementation of a closed season or total fishing ban for lobster may also be considered to rebuild the spawning .stock bioma.vs to sustainable levels. The extensive pressure likely being exerted on lobster resources may spill over lo co-iKcurrÍng but poorly studied species, such as the large West Indian spider crab. Mithrax spinosissimus. This study presents the first dala collected on a wild population of M. spinosissimus. More Importantly, it illuslralcs the poor understanding we have of the inter-relationships between co-occurring species and the need lo understand communities of populations that should be co-managed for the preservation of resources and biodiversity.