Age and size structure of Caribbean spiny lobster, Panulirus argus, in a no-take marine reserve in the Florida Keys, USA

► A no-take marine reserve (NTMR) was assessed using age and size analyses on lobster. ► Lobsters in the NTMR were older than same-sized lobsters from the fishery. ► Lobsters from the fishery were 1 or 2 years old; the NTMR had multiple year classes. ► There was more evidence of lobster reproduction in the NTMR than in the fished area. ► The NTMR is working as a reserve, where some lobsters are retained and grow older.