Exploitation is a prerequisite for conservation of Astacus astacus

Abstract

The noble crayfish, Astacus astacus, is highly valued from a recreational and economical point of view. In most noble crayfish areas, there are long traditions of crayfish catching. The noble crayfish is also included in national and international Red Lists as a vulnerable or threatened species. Intuitively, the first thought is that such a species should be protected from exploitation. However, in many cases the possibility for exploitation and local economic benefits may be important for the conservation of the species. For the noble crayfish this is especially true. The greatest threat against noble crayfish is the man-facilitated spread of plague-carrying alien crayfish species. If local people are allowed and encouraged to catch and make a benefit from noble crayfish, this is also the best protection against illegal stocking of alien crayfish. The possibility to exploit the crayfish is of major importance for the will to protect. Examples from Norway showing different ways of getting an economical and recreational outcome from the noble crayfish are presented.