Freshwater Crayfish in Estonia. I: Action plan for crayfish management. II: Crayfish status report

The aim of the project «Crayfish management in Estonia» has been to improve the basis for a sound management of the crayfish resource. The management plan consists of three parts, an action plan and a status report (which make up the present report) and a data base containing all available information on Estonian crayfish populations. The noble crayfish Astacus astacus L. is the only crayfish species in Estonia. Pollution and physical habitat degradation are still significant threats, but the major threat to crayfish in Estonia is a possible introduction of non-native crayfish species. Recommended main objectives for the management of the noble crayfish populations in Estonia include: 1) protection, restoration, and enhancement, 2) prevent the introduction of non-native crayfish species, and 3) sustainable exploitation and local involvement. In the Action Plan, specific management actions and main responsibility are listed.