ABSTRACT
Until recently, the Galápagos slipper lobster, Scyllarides astori Holthuis, 1960, received little attention regarding its biology, natural history, and fishery. However, as the main fishery resources (i.e., spiny lobster and sea cucumber) have been depleted, there is increasing pressure to expand the fishery of S. astori from a mainly local resource, to include export to continental Ecuador. Biological studies have focused on the distribution, abundance, diet, and population dynamics of this species within the Galápagos Marine Reserve (GMR). Scyllarides astori is a nocturnal forager, preferring rocky habitats that provide shelter in the form of crevices and caves. It is found throughout the GMR, but in higher numbers in cooler waters, with a depth distribution from the immediate subtidal zone to at least 40 m. Preliminary growth data suggest slow growth and an asymptotic carapace length of 17.53 cm for males and 16.38 cm for females. Reproductive studies suggest that onset of sexual maturity occurs over a narrow size range (20 to 25 cm TL), reproductive activity is more pronounced in the warmer months, and fecundity is related to total length. Fishing is carried out by divers who catch S. astori by hand mainly at night, from small (<6 m) fiberglass or wooden vessels with onboard compressors that provide air to the divers by means of a 50 m, plastic hose. Current annual landings exceed 12 metric tons live weight. Other than a ban on the landing of ovigerous females, there are no regulations specific to the capture of S. astori. However, there is a preliminary (and not yet enforced) zonation scheme within the GMR that prohibits extractive activities in 18% of the coastal waters. Additionally, the Galápagos Five-Year Fishing Calendar identifies the need to incorporate specific regulations for 2004, including closed seasons and a minimum landing size.
