Survey

The white-clawed crayfish is Britain’s only native crayfish species and is our largest freshwater invertebrate, growing up to 12cm in length.

It’s found in rivers, streams, ponds and lakes throughout Europe, but populations have declined dramatically over recent decades.

Threats to the white-clawed crayfish include changes to habitat and water quality, pollution and the colonisation of water courses and water bodies by non-native crayfish species, in particular the American signal crayfish which is farmed for food in the UK. The signal crayfish is bigger and more aggressive than the white-clawed crayfish, therefore can out-compete for food. Signal crayfish may also carry crayfish plague to which white-clawed crayfish are susceptible.

White-clawed crayfish are a protected species.

The suitability of a habitat can be assessed at any time of year, although the actual survey season is quite restricted and short (April and the period from August to October).

Hand searching during the day and torch surveys at night, when water flow rates are low, are the most commonly used techniques, although crayfish trapping is also effective.

Surveys can only be carried out by a licensed person.

Legislation

White-clawed crayfish are protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) which prohibits the taking of any native crayfish for any purpose except under licence.  The populations in Britain represent the greatest concentration of the species in Europe and the species is listed under

Appendix III of the Bern Convention, Annexes II and V of the EC Habitats Directive.  They are also protected by The Import of Live Fish Act which protects the white-clawed crayfish through the Prohibition of Keeping Live Fish (Crayfish) Order 1996.

White-clawed crayfish is a Species of Principal Importance under the NERC Act (2006).

Click here to read more about white-clawed crayfish and the law