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Biology and Diseases of Panulirus argus on Saint Kitts and Nevis
Nicole A. M. Atherley Herbert, Michelle M. Dennis, Mark A. Freeman
Center for Conservation Medicine & Ecosystem Health, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Saint Kitts and Nevis
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ABSTRACT
The Caribbean spiny lobster, P. argus, is a commercially important species found in the Western Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico. Since P. argus fisheries generate approximately US $1 billion annually, regulations are in place to protect the fisheries and ensure sustainability of the resource. Countries within the region have adopted regulations to achieve this objective, including closed seasons and minimum landing size requirements. In a study conducted on Saint Kitts and Nevis from 2017 to 2020, morphological and histological data were collected, it was determined that minimum size at maturity occurs at 87 mm carapace length while peak reproductive activity occurs from March to May. Although there are few known diseases of P. argus, the PaV1 virus has negatively affected several P. argus populations in some countries. Disease surveillance functions to determine the health of the fishing stock and to discover emergent pathogens which may threaten the fisheries. In this study, lobsters at the adult, juvenile and postlarval stages were screened grossly and histologically for signs of disease. Molecular techniques were also used to identify the aetiological agents of pathologies observed. Parasites such as Ameson herrnkindi (a novel microsporidian parasite), Carcinonemertes conanobrieni, an egg-predator previously reported in Florida and Colombia, and previously undescribed Carcinonemertes sp. were found. Such scientific data can prove instrumental in the management of P. argus stocks including the identification of determination of potential closed seasons, establishing minimum legal size, and assessing aquaculture suitability. Based on our data, March to June could be adopted as the closed season for Saint Kitts and Nevis.
HOW TO CITE: Herbert, N.A.M.A., M. M. Dennis and M. A. Freeman, 2026. Biology and Diseases of Panulirus argus on Saint Kitts and Nevis. Contribution 3.15, p265-278 IN CRFM, 2026. Volume I: Technical Papers. Presented at the CRFM 20th Anniversary Scientific Conference, 28-31 August 2023. CRFM Special Publication No. 37, CRFM Secretariat https://www.crfm.int/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=920
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