Local crayfish species found in Lithuania are broad-clawed and narrow-clawed, as well as invasive species – signal and spiny crayfish. Invasive crayfish pose a threat to native species – they displace them from habitats, alter aquatic ecosystems, and spread crayfish plague – a disease often fatal to native crayfish.
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Requirements for catching native crayfish
Restrictions apply to fishing native crayfish:
- broad-clawed crayfish are an endangered species included in the list of protected species – catching them is prohibited;
- catching narrow-clawed crayfish is prohibited from October 15 to July 15;
- no more than 5 traps or scoops for catching crayfish can be used during one fishing session;
- no more than 50 narrow-clawed crayfish of at least 10 cm in size can be caught during one fishing session;
- crayfish can only be caught using traps (no longer than 1 m, no wider than 0.5 m, and no higher than 0.5 m or traps with a base diameter no larger than 1 m and no higher than 0.5 m) and scoops;
- crayfish are measured from the tip of the head to the end of the extended tail plate.
Catching invasive crayfish
The number of traps and scoops for catching spiny and signal crayfish is unlimited. These invasive crayfish can also be caught by hand and with nets.
Invasive crayfish species can be caught all year round and in any quantity – there are no limits on number or size.
If broad-clawed or narrow-clawed crayfish are caught during invasive crayfish fishing, they must be immediately released back into the same water body.
Amateur fishing permit required
A permit for amateur fishing is required for catching any crayfish – native and invasive. All fishing permits can be purchased in the Environmental Permits Information System (ALIS).
Before fishing, it is important to find out who owns or rents the water body – this determines what kind of permit is needed for fishing:
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- amateur fisherman’s ticket – grants the right to fish in all state-owned, non-leased water bodies where limited fishing is not organized;
- fishing permit – grants the right to fish in a state-leased water body where limited fishing is not organized;
- amateur fisherman’s card – grants the right to fish in a state water body where limited fishing is organized.
Responsibility
- A fine of 30–90 euros is imposed for illegal fishing of narrow-clawed crayfish.
- A fine of 600–1500 euros is imposed for illegal fishing of broad-clawed crayfish.
- A damage fee of 15 euros to nature is charged for each illegally caught crayfish.
