Lobster Tagging Project
Program Information
The California spiny lobster, Panulirus interruptus, is a significant commercial and recreational fishery species in Southern California. As a new network of marine protected areas (MPAs) goes into effect throughout the south coast region, it will be important to understand how fishery closures in these areas affect the lobster’s ecology. Our collaborative lobster monitoring project is designed to determine baseline levels and short-term changes in the abundance, size distribution, behavior, and consumptive use of the California spiny lobster inside and outside of six local MPAs.
In September 2011, we tagged about 5,000 lobsters off the coasts of Laguna, Point Loma, and South La Jolla in zones slated to become MPAs. Each green tag is inserted into the back of the lobster between the tail and the upper section of the exoskeleton called the carapace. The tags are numbered and information on the lobster’s GPS coordinates, sex, reproductive state, and size are recorded corresponding to the tag number so that researchers can learn how the lobster travels in and out of the MPA (spillover), its growth rate, and other relevant information when the lobster is recaptured.
If you capture one of our tagged lobsters while fishing or exploring, record the location (GPS coordinates or name of area) and the tag number. We are collecting recapture data via phone at 619-523-1903 or on our website www.taggedlobster.com. Please do not to remove the tag from the lobster and be sure to follow all Fish and Game regulations when capturing lobsters.
Starting in April 2012, we will step up our research efforts by collecting data in Point Vicente SMCA off Palos Verdes, Laguna Beach SMR off Laguna Beach, Swami's SMCA off Encinitas, Matlahuayl SMR and South La Jolla SMR off La Jolla, and Cabrillo SMR off Point Loma. In addition to the lobster tag/recapture program, researchers will collect data on lobster density and shelter use, catalog important lobster habitats using seafloor mapping technology, and monitor how fishing efforts and catch totals change after the MPAs go into effect in January 2012.
Volunteers
In April 2012, we will step up our tag/recapture efforts and continue throughout the summer and early fall. We will need volunteers to collect and record information about tagged lobsters during full day trips aboard local commercial lobster vessels.
If you would like to help with our project by spreading the word or participating in a hands-on capacity, please contact fill out a volunteer application here.
Partners
Project funds are awarded by the Ocean Protection Council and administered by California Sea Grant. The San Diego Oceans Foundation is working closely with the following partners on this collaborative project: Kevin Hovel from San Diego State University, Ed Parnell from Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Dave Rudie from Catalina Offshore Products, Doug Neilson from California Department of Fish and Game, and various lobstermen from the California Lobster Trap Fisherman’s Association.
Resources
WHEN DO THE CLOSURES GO INTO EFFECT?
The South Coast MPAs were originally slated to go into effect on October 1, 2011. However, the Office of Administrative Law is seeking more information from the Fish and Game Commission. Therefore, the new effective date for closures has been moved to January 2012.
Click on this news release from CA Department of Fish and game for more info:
Check out the following article on the closure delay:
The Department of Fish and Game’s website has more information on the Marine Life Protection Act and the MPA initiatives occurring up and down California’s coast.
MAP OF THE SOUTH COAST MPAs
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