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.
Mark Butler, University of Florida
