Environmental impact in nutritional condition of spiny lobster <i>Panulirus argus</i> (Decapoda: Palinuridae) in natural fishing areas

Few studies have been carried out correlating environmental factors to spiny lobster Panulirus argus nutritional condition, topic undeveloped in Cuba. This study aimed to quantify the impact of biotic (food availability) and abiotic (temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen) environmental factors on lobster’s nutritional condition. Twelve sites, located in the Gulf of Batabanó, were sampled on Dry and Rainy seasons during 2011–2017 period. Blood refractive index (BRI) and total weight/carapace length relationship (Kcl) were determined. Benthos trawling was carried out to estimate benthic food availability (BFAI). Temporary variations of environmental variables showed a significant decrease only for BFAI. Salinity and dissolved oxygen were high during Dry season, but temperature was significantly less. BFAI did not show differences between Dry and Rainy, it was significantly correlated with both Kcl and BRI. Kcl was significantly impacted only by site variations (43.5% deviance explained). BRI was significantly impacted by site and BFAI variations (57.9% deviance explained). Among environmental variables only BFAI showed spatio-temporary variations like BRI, decreasing gradually from 2011 to 2017, partially explaining variations on lobster’s nutritional condition. Decreased food availability, which could be due to unfavorable environmental quality, causes lobster’s nutritional conditions to decline.