Lobster Population Conectivity

This collaborative project aims to use genetic markers to establish patterns of population connectivity and self-recruitment of spiny lobster between marine reserves in the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System (MBRS). It is lead by the University of Manchester with partners in Mexico and Belize in addition to Honduras.

The CEM is assisting in the Honduran portion of the study collecting samples of adults and lobster recruits across the north shore ofHonduras. The partners in the other countries are providing similar samples with the genetic analysis taking place in the United Kingdom.

Overall, the outcomes of the project, which will identify the levels of genetic connectivity in lobsters throughout this coral reef system at multiple spatial scales, will improve our ability to form management tools for sustainable lobster fisheries and prioritize different areas for conservation.