Redclaw Crayfish: Challenge or Resource? Voices of Fishers in Zambia

Abstract

ABSTRACT Invasive species severely threaten biodiversity, ecosystem stability and local livelihoods, especially in vulnerable areas. Therefore, understanding community perceptions is vital for creating effective and inclusive management strategies. This study investigated perceived environmental and economic impacts of the invasive, Redclaw crayfish ( Cherax quadricarinatus ) in Lake Itezhi‐Tezhi, Zambia, using structured surveys of 325 local fishers. Descriptive statistics and frequency analyses summarised respondent perception, and multiple linear regression models tested predictors of fishers' environmental and economic perceptions. Results revealed that 38% of the respondents first encountered the species within 1–5 years, 55.1% reported harvesting < 250 g per trip and 61.5% encountered crayfish only 1–2 times per seven trips. Most respondents reported negative environmental effects (77.98%), specifically competition with native fish and gear damage, and 62.4% attributed decreased household income to the invasion, though 45.0% expressed positive attitudes, seeing crayfish as a food and income resource. The regression predicting environmental perceptions was significant ( F (9,94) = 2.75, p = 0.007, R 2 = 0.21), with younger fishers perceiving greater environmental impacts ( β = −0.31, p = 0.005). The model for economic perceptions was not significant ( F (9,94) = 0.54, p = 0.839, R 2 = 0.05). There was strong support emerged for community participation (80.7%), along with a notable preference for government‐led action (54.1%). Our findings highlight the need for integrated co‐management that mitigates environmental harm while exploring sustainable crayfish‐based livelihoods.