Abstract

In an attempt to increase the abundance of noble crayfish, Astacus astacus (Linnaeus), in a soft-bottomed area of lake, we modified the biotope by adding 1000 tonnes of natural stones. The effect on crayfish abundance in both the biotope adjustment site and a control site was monitored by diving and baited traps over a period of 13 years. The study lake harbours a good, harvestable noble crayfish population, but in some areas the crayfish density is very low, probably due to lack of shelter. The abundance of noble crayfish at the biotope adjustment site increased significantly over the years, whereas the abundance at the control site did not display similar changes. At the end of the study period the abundance of crayfish at the biotope adjustment site had reached a level of great harvesting interest. The study shows that, with relatively simple methods, it is possible to increase abundance and yield of noble crayfish by increasing shelter availability.

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