Find answers to common questions about crayfish.
What is the problem with trapping non-native crayfish?
Often traps catch the larger crayfish, leaving the smaller ones to breed prolifically. This can result in a population explosion as more space and food becomes available and competition is reduced.
Our native crayfish is under threat from an aggressive non-native species that carries a fungal disease called crayfish plague. This disease does not harm humans but is often deadly to our native crayfish. If you don’t disinfect your equipment properly, you can easily spread crayfish plague. Always disinfect your equipment before you move to another site.
You must not use crayfish as fishing bait for the same reason. Spores of the plague can survive for up to two weeks – even in temperatures below freezing.
Can’t I help to get rid of the non-native species?
This may sound like a good idea, but in practice this is virtually impossible to achieve. You would need to continue trapping for long periods to reduce numbers significantly.
What else do I need to think about?
You must kill the trapped crayfish in a safe and humane way. Sometimes several people will want to trap in the same place. Be considerate.
Is it ever OK to trap native crayfish?
They can only be trapped for scientific purposes. In addition to your trapping consent from us, you would also need a licence from Natural England or the Countryside Council for Wales to handle native crayfish as they are a protected species. Please speak to your local Fisheries Officer before you go ahead.
Can I keep non-native crayfish alive?
Some people like to keep crayfish alive for a few days before eating them to allow them to purge of 'clean out'. You must check to see if you are in an area that is covered by the General Licence to Keep or you need to apply to Defra for a personal licence, to keep live crayfish. Please speak to your local Fisheries Officer.
