Tagging by Lobster Fishermen to Estimate Abundance of the Discarded Portions of Their Catch

Abstract

AbstractThe cost of tagging studies can be greatly reduced if fishermen tag, release, and recapture during fishing operations. Some population components captured during fishing can not be legally retained. If these components are returned to the sea unharmed, their abundance can be estimated. Lobster tag, release, and recapture data were obtained by fishermen during their fishing activities over a 9‐week season. Tags were inexpensive and easy to apply to cable ties. Abundance of ovigerous females and window females (non‐ovigerous females, 114–124 mm carapace length) were estimated for seven and three fishing grounds respectively. When lobster fecundity was included in the calculations, annual egg production was also estimated. Fishery management applications include measuring the benefits of a regulation, and setting reference points to the numerical abundance of a life history stage. Experimental and area‐specific management are more affordable if fishermen can collect data for stock assessment during their fishing operations. Data quality depends on carefully communicating the purpose and procedures to fishermen, and on designing a data sheet to reduce recording errors.