Spiny lobsters after completing its long larval life metamor phoses into postlarvae (puerulus),which swims towards the shore and settle in nearshore seagrass/seaweed habitats. They transform into postpuerulus and settle into benthic dwelling juvenile lobster.
In the wild, levels of puerulii settlement vary depending on the species and geographic area, which also depends on the spawning stock. Commercial harvest of puerulii and early juveniles from the wild as suggested by the Australians may be possible where there is heavy settlement in the inshore habitat. However, the feasibility of such a proposal is to be examined in other areas, as there is apprehension that this will have serious long-term implications on sustainability of wild resources.
Partial harvesting of puerulii from dense settlement areas is suggested as high mortality rates were experienced by juvenile lobsters between settlement and entry into the commercial fishery. This will benefit the wild resource as well as those interested in farming of lobsters.
Commercial collection of southern rock lobster puerulii for aquaculture has already commenced in Tasmania. In India, studies conducted off Kovalam near Chennai show that puerulii of three species, P. homarus, P. polyphagus and P. ornatus settle in rocky areas. However, the intensity of settlement is not very high enough to suggest harvesting for ongrowing. There is no information on settlement density of puerulii anywhere along the Indian coast.
