Socioeconomic impact following the introduction of the red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii (girard,1852) in Morocco

The Red swamp Crayfish (Procambarusclarkii, Girard, 1852) in developed countries has many ecological, cultural and economic aspects. On the socioeconomic point of view, the impacts of this exotic species are real. The red swamp crayfish, is a species probably introduced by man in the North-West region of Morocco. The species was introduced for economic reasons, it is currently abundant and widespread in the region. As an invasive species, newly introduced, its exploitation still not regulated by the Moroccan authority. In spite of this and in a voluntary and random way, there is an interesting fishing activity and sale of this species by the fishermen of the region. This activity maintains a considerable source of income and, given the negative impact of this species on biodiversity and the lack of prevention of its spread in the country, this fishing activity may indirectly contribute to limiting the development of the crayfish population to an acceptable level. This recent study focuses on a new and possible economic resource in the region, estimating the socioeconomic impacts of this species in Morocco as well as the importance of taking into consideration that this has become a new food for Moroccans.