IntroductionThe recent and growing bio-invasion of the Callinectes sapidus (known as blue crab) is causing damages in the European aquatic ecosystems, and affecting the livelihoods of the fishermen. In this context, this study explores the socio-economic impacts of this bio-invasion on small-scale artisanal fishermen in the Apulia (southern Italy) and Algarve (southern Portugal) regions, analyzing their perceptions and highlighting the repercussions of this bio-invasion on their livelihoods.MethodsFor this purpose, we carried out a field survey with representative small-scale artisanal fishermen based on the “Socio-economic Impact Classification of Alien Taxa” (SEICAT) approach by means of an “Exploratory Factor Analysis” (EFA), and a “Hierarchical Analysis and K-means Cluster Analysis”.Results and discussionThe findings reveal that the two study areas, Apulia and Algarve, exhibit markedly different perceptions of the impact of the blue crab invasion on the well-being and activity of fishermen. In Apulia, the invasion has led to extensive damage to fishing nets, physical harm, a decline in other commercial species, reduced catch quantities, increased working hours, higher costs, and lower incomes. Conversely, in the Algarve, while net damage is less severe, the primary concerns are physical harm, increased working hours, higher costs, and reduced income. Consequently, this research provides an empirical basis for the adoption of management measures and interventions to mitigate the socioeconomic impacts of the blue crab on the fishing community and local economy, thereby contributing to the well-being of both individuals and the marine ecosystem.

中文翻译：

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最近的 Callinectus sapidus 生物入侵对意大利南部和葡萄牙小规模手工捕鱼的社会经济影响


简介 最近，Callinectes sapidus（又称蓝蟹）的生物入侵日益严重，正在对欧洲水生生态系统造成损害，并影响渔民的生计。在此背景下，本研究探讨了这种生物入侵对普利亚（意大利南部）和阿尔加维（葡萄牙南部）地区小规模手工渔民的社会经济影响，分析了他们的看法并强调了这种生物入侵的影响方法为此，我们根据“外来分类单元社会经济影响分类”（SEICAT）方法，通过“探索性因素分析”（EFA）对具有代表性的小规模手工渔民进行了实地调查，以及“层次分析和 K 均值聚类分析”。结果和讨论结果表明，普利亚和阿尔加维这两个研究区域对于蓝蟹入侵对渔民的福祉和活动的影响表现出明显不同的看法。在普利亚，入侵导致渔网遭到广泛破坏、人身伤害、其他商业物种减少、捕获量减少、工作时间增加、成本上升和收入下降。相反，在阿尔加维，虽然净损害不太严重，但主要问题是身体伤害、工作时间增加、成本增加和收入减少。因此，这项研究为采取管理措施和干预措施提供了经验基础，以减轻蓝蟹对渔业社区和当地经济的社会经济影响，从而为个人和海洋生态系统的福祉做出贡献。