Population Dynamics of Spiny Lobster, <i>Panulirus regius</i> de Brito Capello, 1864 in the Gulf of Guinea off Côte d’Ivoire (West Africa)

The population dynamics of the spiny lobster Panulirus regius were studied. A total of 331 individuals divided into 195 males and 136 males with respective lengths ranging from 14 cm to 38.4 cm and from 12.9 to 23.4 cm were used for this study. Sampling took place over a 12-month period from August 2019 to September 2020 at the Assinie landing site among artisanal fishermen operating in the Gulf of Guinea in Côte d’Ivoire. The FiSAT II software was used to determine the growth and exploitation parameters. The results showed an identical modal class [15-18] for both sexes and even for the total population. The growth parameters were performed according to the Von Bertalanffy growth model. The asymptomatic length determined was L∞ = 39.38 cm for a growth coefficient K = 0.38 year-1 with a performance index Φ'=2.77 years. The theoretical age for zero length was t0 = -0.40 years while the longevity tmax = 7.89 years. Total mortality (Z) is 1.42 year-1 and natural mortality (M) is 0.89 year-1. However, fishing mortality (F) is 0.53 year-1. The current exploitation rate (E) is 0.38. As regards recruitment, a peak was obtained in February with a value of 15.71%.