Crayfish trapping advice packs are also available from the National Fisheries Laboratory 01480 483968.
A new byelaw for trapping crayfish in England and Wales came into force on the 1st of June 2005.
In the past only the Thames Region of the Environment Agency had the authority to allow this activity.
The byelaw changes restrict accidental or deliberate transportation of alien crayfish and 'crayfish plague', whilst still allowing the legitimate trapping of the crustaceans.
Permission to trap crayfish will be dependant on the local situation in particular the presence of the native white claw crayfish.
Unless the trapping is done responsibly it could make the situation worse or even cause further spread.
Crayfish are trapped for a number of reasons, including:
Conservation - to re-establish native species in a particular area, or to relocate them during work taking place in their habitat;
Scientific Research - including investigations into interactions between crayfish and other species in the wild, or investigations into methods of controlling the non-native species;
Fisheries management - signal crayfish can become a nuisance for anglers by taking their bait or burrowing in riverbanks.
The byelaws are enforced through existing fisheries enforcement routes, i.e. un-consented use of traps may be reported to us by members of the public or detection may occur through routine fisheries enforcement patrols.
If people break the byelaw, the alleged offence will be investigated and action will be taken in line with the Environment Agency's prosecution policy.
If the offence were of sufficient severity then the matter would be taken to court, if found guilty the offender may have their traps forfeited by the court and/or a fine, of up to £2500, imposed on them.
