Environment Agency - Home

Crayfish

Crayfish trapping rules in the UK, and threats from non-native species.

Catching Crayfish

Anyone who wishes to fish for crayfish by any means (including hand-picking) needs a permission from us. We have strict rules in place to protect our native (white-clawed) crayfish,as well as controlling the spread of invasive non-native crayfish. It is important to make sure that the methods and equipment used are safe for other aquatic animals, like otters and water voles.
 
If you want to catch non-native crayfish it is vital that you follow the rules below to avoid breaking the law.

Rules to follow when catching crayfish

  • Native (white-clawed) crayfish are a protected species. We provide authorisations for people who catch them to monitor their populations. You must not trap them to eat or sell. Be aware it is illegal to handle them without a licence from Natural England/Countryside Council for Wales
  • Catching non-native crayfish is only allowed in certain areas of the country, due to the risks to native crayfish. Speak to your local fisheries officer if you are not sure which species is in your area
  • You can fish for non-native crayfish, but only if you have written authorisation from us and you attach the identity tags that we send you to your trap(s) or fishing instrument
  • Additional to our consent, you must also get permission from the landowner who owns the fishing rights for the pond or river

Crayfish trapping

Anyone who traps crayfish needs a permission from us. We have strict rules in place to protect our native (white-clawed) crayfish,as well as controlling the spread of invasive non-native crayfish. It is also important to make sure that the traps used in a way that is safe for other aquatic animals, like otters and water voles.

If you want to trap non-native crayfish it is vital that you follow the rules below to avoid breaking the law.

Crayfish trapping rules

  • Native (white-clawed) crayfish are a protected species. You must not trap them to eat or sell. Be aware it is illegal to handle them without a licence from Natural England/Countryside Council for Wales.

  • Trapping for non-native crayfish is only allowed in certain areas of the country, due to the risks to native crayfish.

  • You can trap non-native crayfish, but only if you have written authorisation from us and you attach the identity tags that we send you to your trap(s).

  • Additional to our consent, you must also get permission from the landowner who owns the fishing rights for the pond or river.

Apply for a consent to trap non-native crayfish

Find out how crayfish plague is killing off our native species.

Who to Contact

For paper copies of the guidance booklet and application forms please contact us by email at enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk or by phone on 0370 8506506.

For specific advice in your area, or on your application form, please ask to speak to your local Fisheries Officer. They will also be able to tell you whether we issue consents in your area.

For further general advice, contact our Fish Movements Team:

Environment Agency
Bromholme Lane
Brampton
Huntingdon
Cambridgeshire
PE28 4NE

Phone: 01480 483968
Fax: 01480 483955
or 01480 483026

Authorised fish farm owners should contact us directly as there is a different process for fish farm owners who wish to trap non-native crayfish.

We can also provide a technical leaflet on species identification and a full description of the relevant byelaws.

Further Information

UK Crayfish website co-hosted by Buglife and Environment Agency