From nets to bottom traps: is exploitation of Norway lobsters a suitable option for Corsican common spiny lobster fishermen?

In Corsica (NW Mediterranean), most of the fishing activity is composed of small-scale artisanal fisheries, and takes place on the western coast. The common spiny lobster (Palinurus elephas) is the main target of Corsican netters. However, its populations have been declining since the 1950's, questioning the sustainability of this activity. We therefore tried to assess whether the fishing effort, currently mostly focused on common spiny lobsters, could be moved towards other commercially-interesting deep crustaceans, such as the Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus), through diversification of artisanal fishing practices. With the help of local fishermen, we set up Scottish traps for Norway lobsters at depths of 300 to 400 meters, on sandy and muddy bottoms of both eastern and western coasts. Despite several tests using different baits and soak times at various depths or seasons, catches on the western coast were low. On the other hand, on the eastern coast, experimentation showed interesting yields, and large mean size (i.e. high commercial value) for both sexes. While more studies are needed to confirm these results and improve knowledge of Norway lobster stocks, trap fishing of this species on eastern coast of Corsica could be a suitable alternative for diversification of artisanal fisheries.