catching signal crayfish

[Bushwhacker]

It may be worth checking the opening diameter (not listed on that site) and whether this is 'otter-friendly' - when applying you have to specify the dimensions of your trap and there are (rightly) quite strict guidelines to protect other species.

It's not otter friendly.

[shootfive]

Just to butt into this thread - I've sent off my application this morning. The local river (R. Witham) was a significant ground for our native species however there was talk from the E.A. that the signal crays had taken over several tributaries to the main river. Obviously some sort of spread is inevitable so I may be granted permission to trap them there.

We will see; I'll update this thread when I hear anything.

Well, my application has been received and has been passed to the man in charge locally. They've forwarded his details should I wish to discuss it/ask for more information.

We will see.

[Dannytsg]

Good luck with your application then.

[shootfive]

Well, an update.

I had a very quick and helpful response from the local man at the Environment Agency. Basically, my application for removing crays for personal consumption has been turned down as the specific stretch of river I requested is a hot spot for the native crays (and that's obviously fair enough, the whole idea is to improve their chances so I don't want to tamper with that) - he did however recommend some specific stretches of water where the EA are aware that the signal crays have basically taken over. He said if I wanted to proceed with my application based on those stretches of water he would get the application through ASAP.

Very helpful, very quick, just a shame the river that is almost on my back doorstep is a no-go.

[Dan J]

Has anyone heard of any in shropshire/Herefordshire? have heard there's some in the lugg but don't know where.

[munkiboi182]

just out of interest, would a crab line work for catching crayfish???