Recruitment of the Puerulus of the Spiny Lobster, Panulirus marginatus, in Hawaii

Abstract

Settlement of pueruli of the Hawaiian spiny lobster, Panulirus marginatus, was monitored on a weekly to monthly basis during June 1979 – June 1985 at three islands situated across the extent of the Hawaiian Archipelago to define patterns of recruitment over the species' geographic range. Settlement occurred irregularly throughout the year at French Frigate Shoals near the center, but seasonally during reciprocal times of the year at Kure Atoll and Oahu located at opposite ends of the island chain. There were no significant long-term trends in monthly mean catch per collector. Settlement occurred primarily during the new moon and first quarter lunar phases at each island. The seasonal and geographic patterns of recruitment may be determined to a large extent by an island's position relative to the northern and southern boundaries of the North Pacific Central Water type. Seasonal changes in the position of the principal wind systems of the region, the trades and westerlies, also may influence these patterns. Settlement tended to be higher at the center of the archipelago than at either end and higher in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands than around the main high islands. Regional differences in catch rates in the commercial fishery may be related to regional differences in puerulus recruitment. Settlement overall was low in comparison with spiny lobsters elsewhere.