User:Katie548/Lobster Houses

Lobster Houses Also called "casitas de langosta," "sombras," or "pesqueros" by fishers in Cuba and Mexico, lobster houses are artificial reefs that are used to fish for and increase the population of Caribbean Spiny lobsters (Panulirus argus). They are usually made from ferrocement and are placed in shallow water on the ocean floor. Lobster houses have been gaining popularity throughout the Carribean and the world; however, it is unclear whether the houses are increasing the production of lobsters or are only concentrating already exisiting individuals. It is likely that the attraction or production of lobsters is dependent on multiple factors, such as larval supply, habitat, the design and placement of the houses, and the fishery's management. In order for the lobster house fisheries to be sustainable, it is necessary for the lobster houses to increase the population of lobsters. The primary methods of fishing for Caribbean spiny lobsters is compressor diving, even though it is illegal thoughout the Caribbean because it is destructive to the environment, contributes to overfishing, and is harmful to the fisher's health.