Crayfish research programme

The programme is studying the ecology, biology and production of the indigenous noble crayfish (Astacus astacus) and the introduced signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus). The socioeconomic aspects of crayfishing are also being studied. Research results are needed to understand the effects of rapid growth of signal crayfish production and in the preservation of the noble crayfish stocks.

Main goals

- predict the crayfish stock development in Finland,

- develop the means to adapt to changes in crayfish production

- ensure thepreconditions for the preservation of the noble crayfish,

- support the development of crayfish skills in Finland.

Key approaches

- the distribution and environmental demands of Astacus astacus and Pacifastacus leniusculus,

- the development and exploitation of catches.

Research projects under the programme are classified into three categories

- biology and ecology of the two crayfish species,

- crayfish as a player in the aquatic ecosystem,

- crayfish production potentials, crayfish products and their use.

These projects are short, problem-oriented and based on methods of experimental research and on collecting data from various sources in the crayfish industry. The programme does not include monitoring of experimental stockings, because of the short programme duration and the many stocking attempts in recent decades.

Scientist in charge of project

Markku Pursiainen
Finnish Game and Fisheries Research Institute
Jyväskylä Game and Fisheries Research
Survontie 9
FI-40500 Jyväskylä, Finland
Tel. +35820 575 1613
firstname.lastname@rktl.fi

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