Abstract

A variety of production methods have been tried in Britain since the introduction of the North American signal crayfish, Pacifastacus leniusculus. Unlike the rest of Europe, where 98% of the production is reported to be from the wild, most production in Britain is from farming. Figures of 15-250 tonnes per annum have been quoted, thus making Britain the largest producer of "farmed" crayfish in Europe, however, a more realistic figure is probably around 7 tonnes. Since the producers' co-operative marketing organisation in Britain began to decline in 1988, sales of crayfish have become disorganised, more difficult, and prices have dropped by about 50%. Many populations of P. leniusculus have been abandoned and have spread into the wild. These, together with populations of Astacus leptodactylus, which have also become established in the wild, are offering a new and rapidly expanding resource for exploitation. The wild harvest has grown rapidly and was approximately four tonnes in 1994 making a contribution of more than 50% to annual national production. This figure is expected to rise rapidly over the next few years. Management of crayfish production and pond design are two of the most important factors in determining yield. Realistic production figures of up to 400 kg ha^-1 can be expected from managed, shallow, purpose-built channels, whereas the use of unmanaged, single water bodies (lake ranching) is unlikely to produce more than 200 kg ha^-1. If a substantial crayfish industry is to develop in Britain then much greater land use will be required. Legislation in preparation may lead to a more controlled development of the industry.

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