Scholarlink

<p>Redclaw crayfish, <i>Cherax quadricarinatus</i> (Von Martens, 1868), a rapidly spreading invasive species presents a socioeconomic conundrum for fishing dependent communities. Besides disrupting aquatic ecological system functions it offers untapped economic potential for fishing livelihoods. The study aimed to assess the perceptions of local communities and evaluate the economic benefits derived from crayfish in Lake Kariba. Quantitative household surveys (<i>n</i> = 105) and qualitative key informant interviews and focus group discussion were employed, with participants drawn from littoral fishing zones. Less than 5% of respondents consumed crayfish largely due to neophobia, misinformation, and poor awareness. There is no commercial exploitation of crayfish in this lake, and they are of no nutritive and economic value to its fishing communities. Psychological barriers and informational gaps, relative to biological or economic limitations, are the primary reasons hindering utilization.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Attitudes of local communities towards the invasive redclaw crayfish in Lake Kariba

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2026年6月21日

查看全文
  • Kudzaishe Sakala,
  • Tongayi Mwedzi,
  • Beaven Utete,
  • Panashe Mataranyika,
  • John Takudzwa Stacha,
  • Takafara Gozo,
  • Adroit Takudzwa Chakandinakira

摘要

Redclaw crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus (Von Martens, 1868), a rapidly spreading invasive species presents a socioeconomic conundrum for fishing dependent communities. Besides disrupting aquatic ecological system functions it offers untapped economic potential for fishing livelihoods. The study aimed to assess the perceptions of local communities and evaluate the economic benefits derived from crayfish in Lake Kariba. Quantitative household surveys (n = 105) and qualitative key informant interviews and focus group discussion were employed, with participants drawn from littoral fishing zones. Less than 5% of respondents consumed crayfish largely due to neophobia, misinformation, and poor awareness. There is no commercial exploitation of crayfish in this lake, and they are of no nutritive and economic value to its fishing communities. Psychological barriers and informational gaps, relative to biological or economic limitations, are the primary reasons hindering utilization.