Total catches were compiled from Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, and Tobago. These catches were considered by the working group to be the best estimates available, but were probably not highly accurate. In particular, catches used for bait are poorly recorded and the working group spent considerable time estimating these. It is likely that bait could be a significant use of this resource. Catch and effort data were available from Barbados, Tobago and Saint Lucia. These data were combined into a single standardized index of abundance using a generalized linear model. While it is thought that catch per unit effort should be linearly related to stock size, this could not be verified at the meeting.

There is no immediate action required by management to conserve the stock, unless there is a significant increase in catches.
A catch trigger point of 5000 tonnes should be established when action may be taken to ensure the stock does not become overfished. The trigger point defines when further management action should be undertaken. The maximum recorded catch has been 4700 tonnes. The assessment indicates that any fisheries development exceeding 5 000 tonnes would have unpredictable consequences. Among the actions that should be taken if catches rise to, or above, the trigger point, are a freeze on further fishery development until a full scientific reassessment of the stock has been completed. An improved stock assessment may lead to further international fishing controls. The most significant uncertainty in the current assessment stems from the poor data available on catches and effort. Improved data collection and monitoring is required to ensure sustainable use of this and other fishery resources.