Maturity, fecundity and reproductive potential of the European lobster (Homarus gammarus) in Ireland
Tully, O.; Roantree, V.; Robinson, M. (2001). Maturity, fecundity and reproductive potential of the European lobster (Homarus gammarus) in Ireland. J. Mar. Biol. Ass. U.K. 81: 61-68. https://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S002531540100340X
In: Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. Cambridge University Press/Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom: Cambridge. ISSN 0025-3154; e-ISSN 1469-7769, more
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| Authors | | Top |
- Tully, O.
- Roantree, V.
- Robinson, M.
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| Abstract |
Fecundity and size at maturity of the European lobster Homarus gammarus ( Crustacea: Decapoda) was estimated in four coastal regions of Ireland. Egg size increased with carapace length (CL) (egg size=0.9939xln (CL) -3.0809). The size-fecundity relationship for all coasts combined was (fecundity = 0.0044 x CL 3.1554). Physiological maturity was assessed using ovary colour, ovary factor, ova size, abdomen width/CL ratio, cement gland activity and moult status as criteria. Size at 50% maturity varied from 92.5 to 96 mm depending on region. The size-maturity relationship for all coasts combined was (Maturity= 1/(1+exp(14.595 -0.15598 xCL))). Over 60% of lobsters in the commercial landings were under the size at 50% maturity. Relative reproductive potential (RRP) of different size-classes was calculated from the size-fecundity and size-maturity models and the numbers by length in the landings. The modal RRP size-class was 98-100 mm. The commercial landings were dominated by the 86-92 mm size-classes. |
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