Improving fishing practices through fishing community participation: testing lobster traps in Peru

The rocky lobster *Panulirus gracilis* population reaches its southernmost distribution in South America in the north region of Peru (Tumbes). This artisanal fishery faces several challenges related to a lack of regulation and... [ view full abstract ]

The rocky lobster *Panulirus gracilis* population reaches its southernmost distribution in South America in the north region of Peru (Tumbes). This artisanal fishery faces several challenges related to a lack of regulation and management measures such as the use of bottom trammel nets, absence of minimal size, etc. The objectives of this research were to evaluate the performance of a trap that allows the capture of lobsters in a selective and friendly manner. Traps with one and two entrance doors were tried in experimental tanks and at sea. Local lobster fishermen participated in the trials at sea testing the traps during their regular fishing activities. The tank trials showed that although there is no significant difference between catching lobsters using traps with one or two entrance doors (T test, t=-0.872, p=0.386), there is a significant difference in the size structure between the captured lobsters and the lobsters found outside the traps (ANOVA, F=22,060, p=0). The results show the effectiveness of the trap to catch lobsters under controlled environments, while lobsters were not captured during the tests carried out at sea. Fishermen indicated they would change the current fishing gear for another one that ensures the sustainability of the resource as long as it is effective and/or secure a fair price. It is necessary to conduct more trials at sea to include other factors that cannot be evaluated in experimental tanks, and to include lobster fishermen's traditional knowledge in the design of other trap models.