Species :: Invertebrates

UK Lead Organisation:

Environment Agency

County Lead Organisation:

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust

Objectives

To prevent the decline of the white-clawed crayfish population in Staffordshire.
To maintain the current white-clawed crayfish population in Staffordshire.

Policy

Seek to ensure all Staffordshire LEAPs include specific measures for white-clawed crayfish conservation. (EA)
Seek to promote the issues relating to the spread of crayfish plague. (EA)
Object to applications for crayfish farms and the issuing of licences for the release of non-native species into the wild. (EA)
Lobby for changes in the Countryside Stewardship scheme for options to improve wetland habitats. (SWT)
Ensure any examples of sites containing populations of this species that meet the required criteria are given SBI status. (SBI Grading Committee)
Ensure appropriate sites containing populations of this species meeting the SSSI criteria are designated. (NE)
Object to applications for crayfish farms. (EA & DEFRA)

Protection

The white-clawed crayfish is listed on Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, Appendix III of the Berne Convention and in Appendix II and V of the European Habitats Directive.

Management

Seek to ensure that suitable mitigation is undertaken on development adjacent to watercourses. (Developers, LAs)
Implement measures to reduce the spread of non-native crayfish species. (Angling Clubs, Water Companies, British Waterways)
Ensure flood defence and routine river and pool maintenance work is compatible with native crayfish habitat needs. (EA, IDB)

Advisory

Increase species awareness for the public and landowners through education, promotion and events. (SBAP Partnership)
Provide advice to landowners on suitable habitat management for white-clawed crayfish. (EA)

Further Information