Abstract
The aim of this study was to obtain a better understanding of the exploitation pattern of the European lobster population in a fully representative small-scale fishery of the Mediterranean (Corsica, France) and to collect initial biological information on this species. Data were collected by scientific observers on board net fishing vessels for eight consecutive years from 2006 until 2013. Average annual catches were estimated at 6.7 t. Length frequencies indicated that exploitation focused on large individuals. Catch per unit of effort varied significantly as a function of month, fishing area and depth. Our approach to catch distribution revealed spatial heterogeneity with large catches in the south area. A fishery-independent survey was performed in 2013 and 2014 in west Cap Corse using 540 lobster traps; it showed an extremely low catch rate, confirming the low abundance for this area. This study provided new biological knowledge of a little-studied species in the Mediterranean.
Highlights
Summary: The aim of this study was to obtain a better understanding of the exploitation pattern of the European lobster population in a fully representative small-scale fishery of the Mediterranean (Corsica, France) and to collect initial biological information on this species
The European lobster, Homarus gammarus (Linnaeus), is a decapod crustacean species of great ecological and economic importance found in the northeastern Atlantic
H. gammarus and the American lobster H. americanus (Milne Edwards), found on the northwest coast of the Atlantic, are the only two species representing their genus within the family Nephropidae, and are anatomically very similar (Wahle et al 2013)
Summary
The European lobster, Homarus gammarus (Linnaeus), is a decapod crustacean species of great ecological and economic importance found in the northeastern Atlantic. Its distribution ranges from northern Norway to Morocco, but it is not present in the Baltic Sea (Holthuis 1991). It inhabits the Mediterranean and the western Black Sea, including the Istanbul Strait (Gönülal 2015). Lloret and Riera 2008) This benthic animal is a nocturnal and territorial species found mainly on rocky substrates which feeds on a wide range of prey such as blue mussels, hermit crabs and Polychaeta (Bertran and Le Calvez 1988, Prodöhl et al 2006). H. gammarus and the American lobster H. americanus (Milne Edwards), found on the northwest coast of the Atlantic, are the only two species representing their genus within the family Nephropidae, and are anatomically very similar (Wahle et al 2013)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
