An assessment of the potential of spiny lobsterculture in India

Fluctuating catches and increasing demand in both internal and international markets for lobster tails necessitate augmentation of production through proper management strategies and possible aquaculture practices. The technical feasibility of economically viable aquaculture of few species of spiny lobsters Is underway at the Field Laboratory of Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kovalam, Madras. Though captive breeding of various species of spiny lobsters was achieved with ease, rearing of phyllosoma larvae to puerulii under controlled conditions was not successful. So serious attempt to cultivate spiny lobsters should begin with rearing juveniles which are caught in large numbers along with the commercial size lobsters It has been shown that commercial size (300 g) lobsters can grow in less than half the time that Is required in nature, by proper feeding schedules and environment management. A further reduction in this growing period has been achieved through bilateral eyestalk ablation. Enhancement of growth in ablated lobsters up to 20 times of normal rate has been achieved. An objective assessment of the present status of spiny lobster culture and the problems which need further attention for developing commercially feasible lobster culture are discussed