Trapping Aliens: Understanding the Complexities of Controlling Introduced Freshwater Crayfish in the United Kingdom

Abstract

Invasive non-native species pose practical and ethical problems for the people tasked with their management. Invasive freshwater crayfish species in the UK threaten rare native crayfish and freshwater habitats, yet their control is beset with social, practical and environmental barriers to success. This paper draws on an interdisciplinary study of stakeholders involved in crayfish management in East Anglia to explore the management of non-native freshwater crayfish in the UK. It concludes that when standard methods of control fail, stakeholders are willing to consider unusual management suggestions such as commercial trapping, whilst recognising that these may bring their own problems.