Water Authority Regulations

Crayfish
The trapping of crayfish is only allowed depending on a number of factors; including location and reason for trapping.
Trapping in the North of England & Wales
The use of traps to catch crayfish in the North of England & Wales (unless for scientific research, conservation, or fishery management) will normally be refused for the following reasons:
Increased risk of spreading crayfish plague and other fish diseases
The risk of capture and or harming native crayfish
Small scale trapping of Signal crayfish has been shown to increase rather than decrease their population size*
*Scientific evidence shows large males are preferentially attracted to traps, while females and small males are trap-shy. As large male signal crayfish cannibalise juveniles they have the effect of keeping total population numbers down. In areas where trapping has occurred, the removing of these large males has resulted in a dramatic increase of overall signal numbers in the years after trapping.
Trapping in South of England
The use of traps in southern England to catch crayfish for personal consumption or as a business enterprise is likely to be approved. However, our preference is for members of the public to use a rod and line because:
Traps can impact on non-target species - water voles, otters, amphibians
Rod licence revenue is invested into improving angling and fisheries management
Mapping shows populated areas where trapping is not discouraged (In RED) so if you wish to trap Crayfish in the non-RED areas a license will only be granted on a scientific & research basis. Interpret this as you see best.