Project

Impact of Trap Fishing on PaV1 in Spiny Lobsters

Full Title: The Possible Effects of Commercial Trap Fishing on a Lethal Viral Disease (PAV1) in Spiny Lobsters

The project investigated the prevalence and impact of the PaV1 virus in Florida’s spiny lobster fishery, revealing that adult lobsters can carry the virus without visible symptoms and that diseased lobsters in traps deter healthy ones. These findings are crucial for developing management strategies to control the spread of the virus and sustain the fishery.

Lead Investigator: Dr. Don Behringer, Marine and Disease Ecology Florida SeaGrant Affiliate Faculty behringer@ufl.edu

Project Team: Mark Butler, University of Florida

Award Amount: $76,982

Year Funded: 2008

Award Period: 02/01/08 – 02/01/2010

Project Abstract:

The project aimed to assess the impact of the lethal Panulirus argus Virus 1 (PaV1) on the commercial spiny lobster fishery in Florida. Given the economic significance of this fishery, which experienced a significant decline in landings following the discovery of PaV1, the study sought to understand the prevalence and distribution of the virus, the effect of diseased lobsters on trapping efficiency, and the role of trap confinement in disease transmission. The research found that adult lobsters could act as carriers of the virus without showing visible signs of infection, and that diseased lobsters in traps reduced the number of healthy lobsters entering. The outcomes of this study provide critical insights for managing the fishery to mitigate the spread of PaV1.

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